Appendix 5: Sessional Hymns and Stichera at Mattins on Saturday
IN THE EIGHT TONES FROM THE OCTOECHOS
TONE ONE
After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymns to the Martyrs:
As faithful soldiers ye believed with one accord; ye were not terrified, O saints, by the threats of the tyrants, but taking up the precious Cross, eagerly ye followed Christ, and finishing the course, ye received victory from heaven. Glory be to Him who gave you strength; glory be to Him who crowned you; glory be to Him who through you grants healing unto all.
℣. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
Accept in supplication, O Lord who lovest mankind, the sufferings that the saints endured for Thee; and, we beseech Thee, heal all our distress.
℣. To the saints that are in the earth, the Lord has shown the wonders of His will.
Let us all pray to the martyrs of Christ, for they intercede for our salvation. Let us all draw near to them with faith, for they dispense the grace of healing, and as guardians of the faith they drive away the hosts of demons.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
In the last days, without changing Thou hast for our sake clothed Thyself in flesh taken from Thy Virgin Mother, and as Lord Thou knowest how easily we fall: forgive and take pity on those who have departed from this life, for with faith they have entrusted their souls unto Thee, our Master and our only God.
Both now…
Theotokion
At Gabriel’s salutation, ‘Hail!’, the Master of all things took flesh in thee, O Virgin. Thou art the Holy Ark of which the righteous David spoke; thou wast made wider that the heavens, for thou hast carried thy Creator in thy womb. Glory be to Him who dwelt in thee; glory be to Him who from thee came forth; glory be to Him who through thy childbearing has set us free.
Lauds:
To the Martyrs
Come, all ye peoples, and with hymns and spiritual songs let us honour the victorious martyrs of Christ, the lights of the world and heralds of the faith. They are an ever-flowing fountain that pours out healing for the faithful. At their prayers, O Christ our God, grant peace to Thy world, and to our souls great mercy.
These are the soldiers of the mighty King, who resisted tyrants and bravely scorned all torment. Trampling every error underfoot, they have been rightly crowned: and now they ask the Saviour for peace and great mercy on our souls.
O martyrs praised in all the world, neither tribulation nor distress nor hunger, neither scourging nor the fury of wild beasts nor the sword nor threat of fire, could separate you from God. But suffering out of love for Him, as though your bodies were no longer your own, ye forgot nature and despised death. So ye have received the reward that ye deserve for all your toil, and ye have become inheritors of the heavenly Kingdom. Offer intercession for our souls.
Rejoice in the Lord, ye martyrs, for ye have fought the good fight. Ye have resisted kings and conquered tyrants; ye feared neither fire nor the sword, nor the wild beasts that devoured your bodies. But, singing with the angels a hymn of praise to Christ, ye received crowns of victory from heaven. Pray that we may be given great mercy.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
Through Thine actions, O my Saviour, Thou hast proved that Thou art the resurrection of all; for by a word, O Word, Thou hast raised Lazarus from the dead. Then the bars were shattered and the gates of hell were shaken; then was man’s death shown to be but a sleep. Thou hast come to save and not to judge Thy creature: give rest in Thy love to those whom Thou hast chosen.
Both now…
Theotokion
Thy childbearing, O Maiden, fills with joy the choir of the prophets, the divine assembly of the patriarchs, the revered apostles, the company of bishops and martyrs, the ranks of holy monks and righteous men. They acknowledge thee as the source of all the hierarchies of heaven, and they honour thee as Mother of God.
Aposticha for the Dead:
by Theophanes
We entreat Thee, Saviour, vouchsafe to the departed a share in the life of blessedness with Thee. Give them rest in the tabernacles of the righteous, in the mansions of Thy saints, in the heavenly dwellings; and in Thy tender mercy pass over their offences, granting them repose.
℣. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord (Psalm 64:5).
No man is free from sin, none save Thee, who only art immortal. Therefore in divine compassion grant unto Thy servants a dwelling-place in light with the choirs of Thine angels. In Thy tender mercy overlook their sins and grant forgiveness to them.
℣. Their memorial is from generation to generation (Psalm 101:13).
Higher than all things visible, O Saviour, are Thy promised blessings, which eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have they entered ever into the heart of man. Grant to those who have departed unto Thee a share in these Thy blessings, and bestow upon them life eternal.
Glory be to the Father…
Thy servants departed unto Thee, O Lord, trusting and rejoicing in Thy Cross. Through the Cross and the Blood that Thou hast shed for the life of the world, grant them deliverance from their offences, in Thy tender mercy pardoning their trespasses, and shining upon them with the light of Thy countenance.
Both now…
Theotokion
Pray to Christ thy Child, O Virgin Mother, that He may grant forgiveness of sins to thy servants, who with true faith in the dogmas of the Church proclaim thee as Theotokos; and may He count them worthy of the radiance and glory of the saints in His Kingdom.
TONE TWO
After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymns to the Martyrs:
Thou hast made Thy saints to shine brighter than gold, and in Thy love Thou hast glorified Thy holy ones. At their intercessions, Christ our God, grant peace to our life and make our prayer ascend as incense, O Thou who alone dost rest among the saints.
℣. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
O martyrs of the Lord, blessed is the earth on which your blood was shed, and holy are the shrines that have received your bodies. For in the arena openly ye triumphed over the enemy, and with boldness ye preached Christ. We entreat you, pray to Him that in His love He may grant salvation to our souls.
℣. To the saints that are in the earth, the Lord has shown the wonders of His will.
Apostles, martyrs and prophets, hierarchs, holy monks and righteous men, who have fought the good fight to the end and kept the faith: since ye have boldness in the presence of the Saviour, we entreat you, pray to Him on our behalf that in His love He may grant salvation to our souls.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
Remembering, O Lord, those that have fallen asleep, I call to mind the coming judgement; and foreseeing my condemnation I cry to Thee from torment: O merciful Saviour, have mercy upon me.
Both now…
Theotokion
O holy Mother of the all-pure Light, with true faith and angelic hymns we honour and magnify thee.
Lauds:
To the Martyrs
Because ye suffered for Christ’s sake unto death, O victorious martyrs, your souls dwell in heaven in the hand of God, and your relics are honoured and exalted throughout all the world; priests and kings venerate them, and rejoicing with all peoples we cry aloud: The death of His saints is a sleep precious in the sight of the Lord.
Taking up the Cross of Christ as their unconquerable weapon, the holy martyrs have destroyed all the power of the devil; and, receiving heavenly crowns, they have become a rampart of defence for us through their constant intercession on our behalf.
The multitude of Thy saints intercedes with Thee, O Christ: have mercy upon us in Thy love for mankind.
Every city and land honours your relics, O victorious martyrs. For, striving lawfully for the prize, ye have received crowns from heaven; and so ye are the boast of priests, the victory of kings, and the glory of the Churches.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
From the earth hast Thou formed me, and because of the transgression Thou hast condemned me to return to earth once more. Thou hast appointed a day of examination, when each man’s hidden deeds shall stand revealed before Thee. Spare me then, O sinless Lord, and granting me forgiveness of my sins, shut me not out from Thy Kingdom.
Both now…
Theotokion
Hail, Mary Theotokos, temple that shall never be destroyed, temple of holiness, as the Prophet cries: ‘Holy is Thy temple, wonderful in righteousness.’
Aposticha for the Dead:
by Theophanes
By Thy lifegiving death, O Master, Thou hast overthrown the violence and corruption of death; Thou hast become a fountain of eternal life for all, and Thou hast given resurrection to the dead. Therefore we entreat Thee: give rest, O Saviour, to those who have departed unto Thee in faith, and count them worthy of the fullness of Thy glory in Thy love for mankind.
℣. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.
Accepting voluntary death, Thou hast endured the Cross, so as to make men partakers of Thy divine Kingdom. Therefore we entreat Thee: in Thy tender mercy grant to those who have departed unto Thee in faith a share in Thy Kingdom, and count them worthy of Thine eternal blessedness and glory.
℣. Their memorial is from generation to generation.
Wishing in Thy surpassing love to save the work of Thine hands, with joy Thou hast fulfilled the deep mystery of Thy redemptive work, and Thou hast bought the whole world at the price of Thy precious blood. Therefore we entreat Thee: be merciful to those who have departed unto Thee in faith, and in Thy love for mankind count them worthy of the sweetness of Thy beauty.
Glory be to the Father…
The dead from all the ages stand with trembling before Thy dread and fearful judgement seat, awaiting Thy just verdict, O Saviour, and Thy righteous judgement. Spare Thy servants then, O Master, who have departed unto Thee in faith, and count them worthy of Thine eternal blessedness and joy.
Both now…
Theotokion
Thou, pure Virgin, hast conceived God who repays the debt of our first mother Eve. He bestows upon the faithful incorruption and resurrection, and with immortal glory He crowns those who glorify thee. Cease not to intercede before Him, that with the light of His splendour He may shine upon us all, O Bride of God.
TONE THREE
After the first reading from the Psalter; the sessional hymns to the Martyrs:
Rejoice now, all who love the victorious martyrs, and with one accord sing praise to Christ. He has made them shine like stars upon the world, and year by year their festivals confer on us the grace of miracles, enlightening our minds and souls.
℣. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
Your brave endurance, glorious martyrs, defeated the devices of the enemy from whom all evil comes; therefore were ye counted worthy of eternal blessedness. Intercede, then, with the Lord for the salvation of Christ’s faithful flock, O ye witnesses of the truth.
℣. To the saints that are in the earth, the Lord has shown the wonders of His will.
Through your faith ye shine as radiant lights, O physicians of the true worship of God, holy and glorious martyrs. Ye were not terrified by the torments of the tyrants, but ye cast down the blasphemous teachings of idolatry, taking up the true Cross as your emblem of victory.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
When at Thy command, O Lord and Saviour, we shall stand before Thine impartial judgement seat, condemn us not who have believed in Thee. We all have sinned, and yet we have not turned away from Thee. Therefore we entreat Thee, O Christ, give rest in the dwellings of the righteous to those whom Thou hast taken to Thyself, for Thou alone art rich in mercy.
Both now…
Theotokion
We sing thy praises, Virgin Theotokos, who dost intercede for the salvation of us all: for thy Son and our God, in the flesh He took from thee, accepted suffering on the Cross, and has delivered us from corruption in His love for mankind.
Lauds:
To the Martyrs
Come, all peoples, let us honour the memory of the holy and victorious martyrs. For, having become a spectacle to angels and to men, they have received the crown of victory from Christ, and they intercede for our souls.
The soldiers of Christ cast aside the fear of kings and tyrants; boldly and with courage they confessed Him as the Lord of all, their King and God; and now they intercede for our souls.
The powers of the holy angels marvelled at the victorious sufferings of the martyrs. Though clothed in the body, they despised torments, following the example of Christ the Saviour’s Passion; and they intercede for our souls.
O holy martyrs who have fought the good fight, ye shine even after death as lights in the world: with boldness pray to Christ our God for mercy on our souls.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
Why do we men trouble ourselves in vain? The path on which we run is short. Our life is smoke and vapour, ashes and dust; it continues for a little while, and then it vanishes. Therefore let us cry to Christ the immortal King: Give rest to our departed brethren, and call them to be with Thee in the dwelling of the joyful.
Both now…
Theotokion
O Theotokos, the protection of all who ask thy prayers, in thee we trust, in thee we boast, in thee is all our hope: pray to thy Son for thine unprofitable servants.
Aposticha for the Dead:
by Theophanes
I glorify Thy precious Cross, for through it life and blessedness are given to those who sing thy praises with faith and love, O Lord who alone art rich in mercy. Therefore we cry to Thee, O Christ our God: Give rest to our departed brethren, and call them to be with Thee in the dwelling of the joyful.
℣. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.
We pray to Thee, O Christ our God, for Thou art merciful and compassionate; the deep sea of Thy love cannot be fathomed, and Thou knowest man’s nature that Thou hast created. Give rest to our departed brethren, and call them to be with Thee in the dwelling of the joyful.
℣. Their memorial is from generation to generation.
As man Thou hast slept in the tomb: as God by Thine unconquerable power Thou hast raised up all those in the tomb, and with never-silent voices they offer unto Thee a hymn of praise. Therefore we cry to Thee, O Christ our God: Give rest to our departed brethren, and call them to be with Thee in the dwelling of the joyful.
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
Theotokion
We all acknowledge thee, O Theotokos, to be the spiritual lamp that bore the fire of the Godhead joined to man’s material flesh. Pray, then, to thy Son and God: May He give rest to our departed brethren, and call them to be with Him in the dwelling of the joyful.
TONE FOUR
After the first reading from the Psalter; the sessional hymns to the Martyrs:
Through their sufferings, O Lord, Thy martyrs obtained crowns of immortality from Thee our God. For strong in Thy might they overthrew tyrants and crushed the powerless arrogance of the devils. At their supplications save our souls, O Christ our God.
℣. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
As with scarlet and fine linen Thy Church is adorned with the blood of Thy martyrs in all the world, and through them she cries aloud to Thee, O Christ our God: Have compassion on Thy people, grant peace to Thy flock, and to our souls great mercy.
℣. To the saints that are in the earth, the Lord has shown the wonders of His will.
Armed with Thy Cross, O Christ our God, Thy victorious martyrs defeated the devices of the enemy from whom all evil comes. They shone like torches, guiding mortal men, and they grant healing unto those that ask with faith. At their intercessions save Thy world.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
To the souls that Thou hast taken from this temporary life unto Thyself, give rest in Thy compassion and almighty power, O Christ our God. In pity forgive what they have done; have mercy, merciful Lord, on the work of Thine hands, at the prayers of the Theotokos, O Thou who alone lovest mankind.
Both now…
Theotokion
The mystery hidden from all ages and unknown to the angels, through thee, O Theotokos, is revealed to those on earth: God is made flesh in a union without confusion, and willingly on our behalf accepts the Cross. Through it He raises Adam and saves our souls from death.
Lauds:
To the Martyrs
Who is not filled with wonder, holy martyrs, beholding the good fight ye have fought? Armed with the Cross and confessing Christ, while in the body ye have defeated the bodiless foe; ye have put to flight the demons and driven back the enemy. Intercede continually for the salvation of our souls.
O holy martyrs, ye have become companions of the angels. Bravely preaching Christ in the arena, ye have forsaken all the pleasures of the world, as though they had never been, and ye have held fast to the faith as a sure anchor. Therefore, putting error to flight, ye pour out gifts of healing grace upon the faithful, and ye intercede without ceasing for the salvation of our souls.
How shall we not marvel at your contests, holy martyrs? For, clothed in mortal bodies, ye defeated bodiless enemies; the threats of tyrants roused no fear in you; looking on the instruments of torture, ye were not filled with dread. Therefore, as is right, ye have been glorified by Christ, who grants great mercy to our souls.
Precious is the death of Thy saints, O Lord. Slain by the sword, by fire or frost, they poured out their blood, putting all their trust in Thee and awaiting from Thy hand the reward of their labours. They endured to the end and from Thee, O Saviour, they received great mercy.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
In a place of peace with Thee, O Lord, where all Thy saints repose, give rest unto Thy servants, for Thou alone lovest mankind.
Both now…
Theotokion
Having thee, O Theotokos, as our hope and protection, we fear not the assaults of the enemy, for thou dost guard our souls.
Aposticha for the Dead:
by Theophanes
Truly most terrible is the mystery of death. How is the soul forcibly parted from the body? How is the harmony and union broken, and the bond of nature severed by the will of God? We therefore pray to Thee: Give rest to the departed in the dwellings of Thy saints, O Life-Giver who lovest mankind.
℣. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.
Death became but a sleep, for those who believe in Thee, when Thou the Master of all wast laid in the tomb, and hast destroyed the power of death and overthrown its long-enduring dominion. We therefore pray to Thee: Give rest to the departed in the dwellings of Thy saints, O Life-Giver who lovest mankind.
℣. Their memorial is from generation to generation.
Thou hast become our righteousness and sanctification, and the redemption of our souls. For Thou hast led us justified and redeemed unto the Father, taking upon Thyself the punishment and debt due from us. And now we entreat Thee: Give rest to the departed in joy and radiance, for Thou art our Benefactor and our Saviour.
Glory be to the Father…
Mankind has been called back from corruption to immortality and incorruption; it has been cleansed by the Blood that flowed from Thy side, O Saviour, in which Thou hast washed us clean from the transgression of our first father. We therefore pray to Thee: Give rest to the departed in Thine eternal dwellings with the choirs of Thy martyrs.
Both now…
Theotokion
Accepting, all-pure Virgin, the words of those inspired by God, we believe thee to be Theotokos. For in ways past understanding thou hast given birth to God made flesh, who has delivered us from the bondage of sin. Pray now to Him, that He may shine on thy departed servants with the radiance of His Light.
TONE FIVE
After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymns to the Martyrs:
Thy martyrs, O Lord, longed to drink from the cup of Thy sufferings; they forsook the pleasures of this world and shared in the life of the angels. At their intercessions grant peace to our souls.
℣. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
Through the miracles of Thy holy martyrs, O Christ our God, Thou hast given us a rampart that cannot be destroyed. At their prayers scatter to the winds the schemes of the heathen and strengthen the rulers of our land, for Thou alone art good and lovest mankind.
℣. To the saints that are in the earth, the Lord has shown the wonders of His will.
Undismayed by the proud violence of tyrants, the suffering martyrs scorned danger and persecution, and with boldness they preached Christ. Steadfastly enduring cruel tortures, openly victorious they destroyed the error of idolatry and the power of the devil.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
Give rest with the righteous to Thy servants, O our Saviour, and make them to dwell in Thy courts, as it is written, in Thy goodness passing over all their trespasses, voluntary or involuntary, every sin committed in knowledge or in ignorance, O Thou who alone lovest mankind.
Both now…
Theotokion
O Christ our God who from a Virgin hast shone forth upon the world, and through her hast made us sons of light, have mercy upon us.
Lauds:
To the Martyrs
Blessed is the army of the heavenly King: for though the victorious martyrs were born of this earth, yet despising their bodies they made haste to attain to the angelic estate; and through their sufferings they were counted worthy of the honour of the bodiless angels. At their prayers, O Lord, save our souls.
Thy victorious martyrs, O Lord, imitated the life of the angelic hosts: with patience they endured the tortures as though they had no body, setting all their hope in the blessings Thou hast promised. At their prayers, O Christ our God, grant peace to Thy world, and to our souls great mercy.
The holy martyrs struggled on the earth, they endured suffering in the air, they were committed to the fire, and the water received them. So they have made their own the words: ‘We went through fire and water, and Thou hast brought us out to a place of refreshment.’ At their prayers, O God, have mercy upon us.
In their torments the saints cried out rejoicing: ‘This is the exchange that we make with the Master: in return for the wounds inflicted on our bodies, He will clothe us at the Resurrection with a garment of light; in return for dishonour, we shall receive crowns; in return for imprisonment, Paradise; in return for condemnation with evildoers, life with the angels.’ At their prayers, O Lord, save our souls.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
Thou hast fashioned me, O Lord, and set Thine hand upon me; and Thou hast commanded me, saying; ‘To the earth shalt thou return once more.’ Guide me on Thy straight path, forgive me my transgressions, and save me, I pray Thee, in Thy love for mankind.
Both now…
Theotokion
We call thee blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, for from thee has risen the Sun of righteousness, Christ who has great mercy.
Aposticha for the Dead:
by Theophanes
With the splendour of Thy countenance, O Christ, in Thy compassion shine upon the departed, and lead them to a place of green pasture, beside the pure waters of Thy divine repose. Give them rest, according to their heart’s desire, with Abraham the forefather, where Thy light is made manifest in all its purity, and the streams of Thy love flow out, where the choirs of the saints rejoice and exult in Thy goodness. Place Thy suppliants with them, and grant them Thy great mercy.
℣. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.
Look down in Thy compassion upon those who have departed unto Thee from this temporary life, and grant that with one accord they may glorify Thy power, O Master of all who lovest mankind. Shine upon them with Thy beauty, and call them to share with pure hearts in the joy of Thy presence, where the angels make glad around Thy throne, and the companies of saints attend Thee with their songs of praise. Give Thy servants rest with them, and grant them Thy great mercy.
℣. Their memorial is from generation to generation.
To those who have fallen asleep in faith, give rest with the choir of the prophets, with the ranks of the apostles and the martyrs, and with all those since the world began who have been justified by Thy redeeming Passion and Thy Blood, through which Thou hast ransomed captive man. In Thy love forgive them their offences, for Thou alone hast lived sinless upon the earth, Thou alone art holy, Thou alone art free among the dead. Therefore grant unto Thy servants rest and great mercy.
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
Theotokion
We were enslaved by the law of sin, all-pure Lady, but thou hast set us free by conceiving in thy womb God the King and Giver of the law, O only Mother and Virgin. Through Him we are justified freely and by grace. Entreat Him now to write down in the book of life the names of those who sing thy praises as the Mother of God; that, being saved through thy mediation, we may receive from thy Son the deliverance for which we pray, worshipping Him who grants the world great mercy.
TONE SIX
After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymns to the Martyrs:
With patient endurance the saints suffered and contended, and they received the prize of victory from Thee. They brought to nothing the schemes of the transgressors, and were granted crowns of incorruption. At their prayers, O God, bestow upon us Thy great mercy.
℣. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
Persecuted by tyrants, the martyrs endured and suffered bravely in the arena; and near them stood the choirs of angels, holding prizes of victory. In their wisdom they astonished rulers and sovereigns, and by confessing Christ they overthrew the devil. Glory be to Thee, O Lord who hast made them strong.
℣. To the saints that are in the earth, the Lord has shown the wonders of His will.
The memorial of Thy saints, O Lord, is like the Paradise in Eden, for it brings joy to all creation. At their prayers grant us peace and Thy great mercy.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
Truly all is vanity, and life is but a shadow and a dream. Every earthborn man troubles himself in vain, as Scripture says. When we have gained the whole world, then we shall depart to the tomb, where kings and beggars dwell together. Therefore, Christ our God, give rest to Thy departed servants in Thy love for mankind.
Both now…
Theotokion
O Theotokos Virgin, thou art the good hope of the world: I ask for thy dread protection, and for thine alone. Have compassion on thy people that are left without defence; pray unto the merciful God that our souls may be delivered from every threat, for thou alone art blessed.
Lauds:
To the Martyrs
At the commemoration of Thy saints, O Lord, the whole creation keeps festival; heaven with the angels greatly rejoices, and the earth with all mankind makes glad. At their intercessions have mercy upon us.
Had we not Thy saints as intercessors, O Lord, and Thy love that is tenderly compassionate towards us, how would we dare to sing in praise of Thee, O Saviour whom the angels bless without ceasing? Knower of men’s hearts, spare our souls.
The memorial of the martyrs is a joy to those who fear the Lord. Having suffered for Christ’s sake, they received from Him crowns of victory; and now they intercede with boldness for our souls.
Great wonders has our God done for His saints and His elect. Rejoice and be glad, all ye His servants: He has prepared for you crowns of glory and His Kingdom. We entreat you not to forget us.
Glory to the Father…
For the Dead
In days of old in Eden the eating of the fruit brought grief to Adam, through the poison of the serpent; for in this way death entered, devouring the whole race of man. But the Master by His coming has destroyed the dragon and bestowed upon us resurrection. To Him, therefore, let us cry aloud: Spare, O Saviour, those whom Thou hast taken, and give them rest in Thy love for mankind.
Both now…
Theotokion
At the intercessions of the Mother who bore Thee, O Christ, and at the prayers of Thy martyrs and apostles, of the prophets, bishops and holy monks, of the righteous and all the saints, give rest to Thy servants who have fallen asleep.
Aposticha for the Dead:
by Theophanes
Beyond our understanding is Thy tender love towards us; never-failing is the fountain of Thy divine compassion, O Lord of many mercies. Give rest in the land of the living to those who have departed unto Thee, and make them to abide for ever in Thy dwelling-place, for which they longed so much. For Thou, O Christ, hast shed Thy blood for all, and hast redeemed the world at the price of Thy life.
℣. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.
Thou hast endured of Thine own will a lifecreating death; Thou hast become a source of life for the faithful, and hast given them unending joy. Establish in this joy those who have fallen asleep in the hope of the Resurrection, forgiving them in Thy mercy all their offences, for Thou alone art without sin, Thou alone art good and lovest mankind. Then will Thy Name, O Christ, be praised by all, and being saved we shall glorify Thy compassionate love.
℣. Their memorial is from generation to generation.
O Christ rich in mercy, we acknowledge Thee as Lord of the living and Master of the dead in Thy divine power. In Thy love for mankind, give rest to those who have departed unto Thee, their only Benefactor; make them dwell with Thine elect in a place of refreshment, amidst the splendour of Thy saints. For it is Thy will to show mercy, and as God Thou dost save those whom Thou hast made in Thine image, for Thou alone art merciful.
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
Theotokion
Thou wast revealed, all-holy Virgin, as God’s chosen dwelling-place: thou hast held God in thy womb and given birth to God, twofold in nature and in will, but single in His Person. Pray to Him, the Only-Begotten and the First-Born, who kept thee a virgin inviolate even after childbirth, that He may give rest to the souls of those who have fallen asleep in faith, granting them eternal blessedness and glory.
TONE SEVEN
After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymns to the Martyrs:
Rejoice, ye righteous, and let the heavens be glad: for, fighting bravely upon earth, the martyrs have brought error to an end. Let the Church celebrate a feast of joy and triumph, giving glory to the Judge who alone confers the victory, Christ our God who grants the world great mercy.
℣. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
Ye despised, O saints, the godless tyrants, and scorning all the pain of the tortures ye denied not your faith in Christ. Pray, then, to God who loves mankind, for the salvation of our souls.
℣. To the saints that are in the earth, the Lord has shown the wonders of His will.
We entreat you, O ye saints, intercede for the forgiveness of our sins, and pray for our deliverance from the torment that awaits us and from bitter death.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
In the land of the living and in the dwellings of the righteous give rest, O loving Lord, to Thy servants whose memorial we keep; and whatever sins they committed in this life do Thou pardon, for Thou art a God of compassion ready to forgive, who grantest to the world great mercy.
Both now…
Theotokion
Since thou art the treasure-house of our resurrection, O Virgin worthy of all praise, do thou raise up from the pit and from the depth of their offences those who have put their trust in thee. Guilty of sin, they have been saved through thee, for thou hast given birth to our Salvation. Virgin before childbirth, and during childbirth virgin, thou hast remained virgin after childbirth.
Lauds:
Celebrating the memorial of Thy holy martyrs, we sing Thy praises, Christ, and cry aloud: ‘O Lord, glory to Thee.’
In the midst of the arena, before the lawless pagans, the victorious martyrs cried aloud rejoicing: ‘O Lord, glory to Thee.’
O victorious martyrs worthy of all praise, shining as the lights of heaven upon the inhabited earth, ye cry aloud to Christ: ‘O Lord, glory to Thee.’
Breathing one purpose and looking to a single hope, vying with each other in their end, the victorious martyrs looked upon death for Christ as the only entry into life. O strange wonder! Though the torture might have been postponed, they seized hold of it as men seize hold of treasure, and they said to one another: ‘Even if we do not die today, yet some day we shall surely die, obeying as we must the laws of human birth. Let us turn necessity into an act of generous love; willingly let us make our own what is the common fate of all, and let us purchase life with death.’ At their intercessions, O God, have mercy upon us.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
To the souls that Thou hast taken, O Lord and Saviour of the world, give rest in the dwellings of the righteous and of Thine elect.
Both now…
Theotokion
With the Angel we cry to thee ‘Rejoice!’, O Bride of God, and we call thee bridal chamber and gate, throne of flame, mountain not cut by hand of man, bush unconsumed by fire.
Aposticha for the Dead:
by Theophanes
Men saw Thee hanging dead upon the Cross, who only art immortal; Thou wast laid as a corpse in the tomb, yet Thou hast delivered us from corruption and death. Since Thou art a deep sea of tender compassion and a fountain of love that never fails, give rest to the souls of Thy servants who have departed from us.
℣. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.
With the pure joy of Thy beauty and with the rays of Thy divine light, shine upon those who have departed unto Thee, and in Thy love count them worthy to dwell in the spiritual radiance of Thy splendour; and may they rejoice with the angels before Thee, the Master and King of glory and Lord.
℣. Their memorial is from generation to generation.
Unfailing treasure-house of love, there is no end to the splendour of Thy gifts. Do Thou as God accept those who have departed unto Thee, and make them dwell in the land of Thine elect, in a place of rest, in the house of Thy glory, in the joy of Paradise, in the bridal chamber of the virgins, for Thou art compassionate.
Glory be to the Father… Both now…
Theotokion
Thou bearest the Fulfillment of the Law, the Deliverer made flesh. For to those before His coming there was no justification in the Law; but Christ, crucified for our sakes, has justified us. Since, O Virgin worthy of all praise, thou hast boldness as a mother, pray to thy compassionate Son, that He may give rest to the souls of those who have departed from us in the true faith.
TONE EIGHT
After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymns to the Martyrs:
O holy martyrs, God has made you into spiritual torches. By the power of faith ye have dispersed the dark mist of error; ye have made the lamp of your soul to burn brightly, and in the company of the Bridegroom ye have entered with glory into the heavenly bridal chamber. And now we entreat you, intercede for the salvation of our souls.
℣. God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
Suffering in faith a martyr’s death, O saints, ye became ever-burning stars that shine on all the earth. Having placed your whole trust in the Lord, ye made the lamps of your souls to burn brightly with the invisible oil of the Spirit. Pouring out your blood, ye have become a chalice that brings refreshment to the Church. Victorious martyrs, worthy of all praise, offer intercession unto Christ our God, that we who celebrate with love your holy memory may receive forgiveness of our sins.
℣. To the saints that are in the earth, the Lord has shown the wonders of His will.
Through their self-restraint the martyrs of Christ put to death the fiery impulses of passion. They received the grace to drive out diseases from the sick, and to work miracles both when alive and after they were dead. O marvellous wonder! For their bare bones are a source of healing. Glory be to God, the only wise Creator.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
O Thou who with wisdom profound orderest all things in Thy love for mankind, who bestowest on all men, O only Creator, that which is best for them: give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants, for they have set their hope in Thee, our Maker and Creator and our God.
Both now…
Theotokion
In thee we have a wall and haven, and an intercessor acceptable to God whom thou hast borne, O Virgin Theotokos, the salvation of the faithful.
Lauds:
To the Martyrs
What shall we call you, O saints? Cherubim, for Christ rested upon you? Seraphim, for ye glorified Him without ceasing? Angels, for ye have renounced the body? Powers, for ye perform miracles? Manifold are your names, but greater are your gifts of grace: pray for the salvation of our souls.
Bravely have ye fought, O holy martyrs; steadfastly ye endured the tortures of lawless men, confessing Christ before kings. And departing from this life, ye now work miracles throughout the world, healing from their passions those in sickness. Pray for the salvation of our souls.
Invincible martyrs of Christ, ye triumphed over falsehood by the power of the Cross, and gained as your reward the grace of life eternal. Ye felt no terror at the threats of tyrants, and when ye suffered torment ye rejoiced; and now your blood has become the healing of our souls. Intercede for our salvation.
Putting on the breastplate of the Faith and armed with the sign of the Cross, ye shewed yourselves courageous fighters. Bravely ye resisted tyrants and cast down the delusions of the devil; and ye were rewarded with a victor’s crown. Intercede for our salvation.
Glory be to the Father…
For the Dead
Thy death, O Lord, has brought us immortality. For hadst Thou not been laid in the tomb, Paradise had not been opened. Therefore in compassion give rest to the departed.
Both now…
Theotokion
Thy protection, O Theotokos Virgin, is a source of spiritual healing: taking refuge beneath it, we are delivered from the diseases of our souls.
Aposticha for the Dead:
by Theophanes
With Thy royal authority, O Master, Thou hast signed the charter of my liberation in the purple of Thy blood. And now I pray to Thee with faith: give rest in Thy compassion to those who have gone to dwell with Thee; number them with Thy first-born, and count them worthy to share in the joy of the righteous.
℣. Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.
Fulfilling priestly mediation as man, sacrificed as lamb, Thou hast redeemed mankind from corruption and offered it as an oblation to the Father. And now in Thy love make the departed to dwell in the land of the living, where flow the streams of joy and the fountains of eternal life.
℣. Their memorial is from generation to generation.
In the depths of Thine ineffable wisdom Thou dost fix the bounds of life and foresee the things to come, and Thou dost translate Thy servants to another life. Those whom Thou hast taken to Thyself do Thou lead beside the still waters of repose, and make them dwell in the brightness of Thy saints, O Lord, where there is the sound of great rejoicing and praise.
Glory be to the Father…
Though Thou art the invisible Word, one in nature with the Father and enthroned with the Spirit, yet for my sake who am man, Thou hast appeared in the flesh. In Thy mercy and love, O Giver of all life, shine upon the departed with the splendour of Thy majesty and beauty.
Both now…
Theotokion
Since, O Mother of God, thou hast conceived the eternal Word of God the Father, with a mother’s boldness pray fervently that He may establish thy servants in the eternal choir of all who exalt and praise thee, in a place of everlasting light, amid the joyful sound of those who keep festival.