Books - Sources

Pentecostarion

Saturday of the Third Week

Menaion - May 25

Third Finding of the Forerunner’s Head

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 2.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Apolytikion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2.

When You descended unto Death, O Lord, You who are immortal Life put Hades to death, by the lightning of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the hosts of heaven sang aloud to You, “O Christ God, Giver of life, glory to You!” [GOASD]

Apolytikion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2.

When he took down Your immaculate Body from the Cross, the honorable Joseph wrapped it in a clean linen shroud with spices and laid it for burial in a new tomb. But on the third day You rose, O Lord, and granted to the world the great mercy. [GOASD]

Glory. For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Now Christ has revealed to us your sacred head once again, * a most holy treasure hidden underground for so long, * O Prophet and Forerunner. * Therefore we have assembled for the feast of its Finding, * singing our God-inspired hymns in praise of the Savior, * who saves us from destruction, by your earnest prayers to Him. [SD]

Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2.

The Angel who had come to the sepulcher said to the Myrrh-bearing women, “Ointments are appropriate for mortal men; but Christ is indeed a stranger to decay. Now go proclaim that the Lord has risen and granted to the world the great mercy.” [GOASD]

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

The Forerunner’s head has risen once again from the earth; * it sends forth the brilliant rays of incorruption and cures to the faithful all. * Above it has assembled the arrays of the Angels; * below it calls the human race to gather together. * In unison we offer up glory to Christ our God. [SD]

From Pentecostarion - - -

Glory. Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

Mode 2. In seeking the heights.

Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν.

The Women with zeal brought spices to Your sepulcher. * Their souls leapt for joy beholding the Angel’s dazzling light. * And they boldly proclaimed You the King of all; * and said to the Disciples, * “Truly the Life of all has risen from the grave.” [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

Your sacred Head was found through strange circumstances; * for it was hidden underground in a cavern, * and it came up like gold out of a mine, enriching all * who came to participate in the feast of its Finding, * singing hymns of praise to Christ, our Creator and Savior. * O blessed Baptist of the Lord, through you * He gives forgiveness and mercy abundantly. [SD]

From Pentecostarion - - -

Glory. Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

Mode 2.

The women came with ointments very early in the morning, and they saw that the tomb was empty. Then they went and told the Apostles, “The Mighty One has overpowered corruption, and He has rescued those who were bound in Hades. Proclaim it openly, that Christ God has risen, granting us His great mercy.” [SD]

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You appeared today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

To a woman Herod gave * your most august head, * and he thus transgressed the law, * O holy Forerunner St. John. * Now at its finding we cry to you, * Entreat the Savior that mercy be given to all. [SD]

From Pentecostarion - - -

Glory. Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

Mode 2. (not metered)

The devout Myrrh-bearing Women came to Your tomb, O Savior, intent on anointing You the Master with spices as if You were mortal. But an Angel declared the joy to them: “The Lord has risen. So, announce to the Apostles His truly terrific resurrection from the sepulcher.” [SD]

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Antiphon 1.

Mode 4.

From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. (2) [GOASD]

You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. (2) [GOASD]

Glory.

By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]

Both now.

From the Holy Spirit the streams of grace well forth; they water all creation, so that life be engendered. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon. Psalm 131.

There I shall cause to spring up a horn for David; there I prepared a lamp for my anointed. (2)

Verse: Remember David, O Lord, and all his meekness.

There I shall cause to spring up a horn for David; there I prepared a lamp for my anointed. [SAAS]

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the gate)

Lk. 7:17 – 30

At that time, a report concerning Jesus spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. The disciples of John told him of all these things. And John, calling to him two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many that were blind he bestowed sight. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.” When the messengers of John had gone, he began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” When they heard this all the people and the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John; but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

READER

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. Your Cross, O Christ, we venerate, and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. For You are our God; apart from You we know no other; we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy Resurrection of Christ; for behold, through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection; for having endured the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death. [GOA]

READER (read)

Psalm 50 (51).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Glory. Mode 2.

At the intercession of Your Forerunner, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Both now.

At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. [SAAS]

Your Head, that all-venerable repository of divine concepts, which clearly foresaw the mystery of the ineffable Essence, has arisen today out of the storehouses of the earth, as it were out of a mother’s womb, O John, who are worthy of all praise. It poured forth the fragrant oil of sanctification and perfumed everything under the sun. It spiritually preaches the way of repentance, and it intercedes with the Savior of all, on behalf of our souls. [SD]

PRIEST

O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Look upon Your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us Your rich mercies:

through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, heavenly, bodiless powers, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, the Finding of whose precious Head we celebrate, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, our fathers among the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; Menas the wonderworker; Charalambos and Eleutherios, the hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Katherine, Kyriake, Fotene, Marina, Paraskeve and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; and all Your saints:

We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

Through the mercy, compassion, and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 2. When You had fulfilled.

Τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν.

In the world is he a divine and brilliant pillar; * he is the noetic Sun’s lamp and Forerunner. * By revealing today his divine and luminous head * to the farthest reaches of the earth, * he sanctifies those who faithfully * venerate it and cry out to him, * “O wise Baptist of Christ, we pray you, save us all.” [GOASD]

Oikos.

From the earth, like a spring of Paradise the Forerunner’s head - beloved of God--pours out streams of grace; and it provides a flow of miracles to those who need them. So let us all approach, and eagerly draw from it the divine streams of cures. For it refreshes our souls with abundant gifts, and washes away our bodily aches, and readily takes away every disease. Therefore let us sing in honor of this head, and kiss it in faith, and embrace it with respect; and with songs for crowns let us crown it, O Faithful. Let us go ahead and cleanse ourselves of spiritual stains, and adorn our souls with godly virtues, and steadily cry out, “O wise Baptist of Christ, we pray you, save us all.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On May 25 we commemorate the Third Finding of the Precious Head of the holy and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, John the Baptist.

On this day the holy Martyr Celestine died after his heels were pierced with iron spikes.

Our devout Father Olbian reposed in peace.

By their holy intercessions, O Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Pascha

Ode i. Mode 1.

Resurrection Day! O peoples, let us brilliantly shine! * Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha! * For Christ our God has out of death * passed us over into life, * and likewise from earth * to heaven, as we now sing * unto Him a triumphal hymn. [GOASD]

Ode iii.

Come and let us drink a new drink, * not one marvelously issuing from a barren rock, * but one that Christ from the tomb * pours out, incorruption’s very source. * For we are established in Him. [GOASD]

Ode iv.

Now let Habakkuk as a God-inspired prophet stand with us, * keeping his divine watch, and show us * the angelic messenger, who, shining, utters glowingly, * “Today, for the world is salvation,* because arisen is Christ, being omnipotent.” [GOASD]

Ode v.

Arising at dawn very early, * instead of ointment, a hymn let us offer unto the Master, * and then we shall clearly see* Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, * causing true life to arise for all. [GOASD]

Ode vi.

You went down to the nether regions of earth, * and You broke apart the bars that forever * were closed on those who were held there, O Christ. * From the sepulcher, * as did Jonah from the whale, * You arose on the third day. [GOASD]

Ode vii.

The same One who delivered the Lads from fire, becoming a mortal man, * suffers in the flesh; and by His Passion He arrays * mortal nature with majesty, free of all * corruption, the only God of the fathers, * blessed and supremely glorious. [GOASD]

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

This is it, the Day which is chosen and holy, * Day One of the Sabbaths. * It is the queen-day, the Lord’s Day, * and the Feast of all feasts, * and the Festival above every festival, * on which we extol Christ and bless Him to the ages. [GOASD]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 1.

Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 1.

The Angel cried aloud to the Lady full of grace: Rejoice, O pure Virgin; and again I say Rejoice. Your Son has truly risen from the grave on the third day.

Arise, shine! Arise, shine, O new Jerusalem! Shine! * For the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. * Zion, exult and be glad now. * O pure Mother of God, rejoice, celebrating * the resurrection of Christ your Son! [GOASD]

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Now the Christ-loving emperor, * is gladdened by the finding * of your all-precious Head today, * more than by his imperial purple robes, O Forerunner. * Empower him from heaven, * and reward him with victories. * And by your prayers, O all-lauded Baptist John, * guard us from all enemies and protect us, * who celebrate you joyfully * and honor you with longing. [SD]

For the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Automelon.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

O Women, hearken to the voice * that echoes with exultant joy. * Trampling on Hades, that tyrant, * I raised up all from corruption. * Run now with haste and tell my friends * good tidings as evangelists. * For I will that my creature see * joy distinctly arising * from woman, from whom came sorrow. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

Hide Stichologia

From Pentecostarion - - -

Resurrectional Stichera.

Mode 2.

To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones. [SAAS]

Everything that breathes and all creation glorifies You, O Lord, for by the Cross You made death powerless, to demonstrate to all people Your resurrection from the dead, as our only benevolent God. [GOASD]

Mode 2.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power. [SAAS]

Let the Jewish leaders explain it. How did the soldiers lose the King, whom they were guarding? Why couldn’t the stone secure the rock of life? Either produce Him who was buried, or else worship Him as risen from the dead, then join us and say, “Glory to the abundance of Your tender mercies, our Savior, glory to You!” [GOASD]

Mode 2.

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]

Rejoice and be glad, all people! An Angel sat on the stone of the tomb. And he announced to us the good news and said, “Christ has risen from the dead, as the Savior of the world; and He has filled the universe with fragrance.” Rejoice and be glad, all people! [GOASD]

Stichera. For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1. Rejoice.

Χαίροις ἀσκητικῶν.

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]

Rejoice, O sacred Head of St. John. * You are resplendent, and revered by angelic hosts. * Of old you were by a sword cut, for by your cutting reproofs * you cut off the shame of immorality. * O wellspring of miracles, you refresh the believers all. * The saving advent of the Savior you heralded. * And in former times you observed as the Spirit flew * down at the baptism of Christ, and how It remained on Him. * You mediated between both the Old and New Testament of grace. * To Christ pray intently, * and beseech that His great mercy be granted to our souls. [SD]

Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]

Hidden inside a silver case * for many years, the sacred head of the Forerunner * was manifestly recovered out of the bowels of the earth, * and it gushes forth with streams of miracles. * Indeed in the Jordan’s streams he had baptized the head of Christ, * the Lord who showers God’s forgiveness on mortal man, * and who covers lofts with the waters, as David said, * Therefore let us proclaim as blest this truly all-lauded head, * and let us joyfully keep feast and celebrate its discovery, * as it now entreats Christ * and beseeches Him to grant His great mercy to the world. [SD]

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

Here is the holy Forerunner’s head * that had announced the Lamb of God in the flesh appeared. * By means of divine instructions that it proclaimed, it affirmed * the salvific ways of repentance to all. * Because it had formerly censured Herod’s iniquity, * this head was cut off from the body of Prophet John, * and it then endured being hidden for many years. * Later it rose up like a sun and shone forth its light on us, * and once again it is crying, Repent, and come and submit yourselves, * with heartfelt compunction, * to the Lord who is bestowing great mercy on the world. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

The all-venerable Head of Your Baptist was revealed today, O Lord, and we have faithfully brought it up from the earth, and accompanied it with the voice of praise. Now we, Your sinful servants, offer it to You as an intercession, O benevolent God. We pray that through it we may obtain forgiveness and great mercy from You on Judgment Day. [SD]

Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 2. Idiomelon.

Joseph asked for the Body of Jesus, and he laid it in his own new tomb; for Jesus had to emerge from the grave as from His bridal chamber. “You who shattered the dominion of death and opened the gates of Paradise for all mankind, glory to You!” [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world.

Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Now Christ has revealed to us your sacred head once again, * a most holy treasure hidden underground for so long, * O Prophet and Forerunner. * Therefore we have assembled for the feast of its Finding, * singing our God-inspired hymns in praise of the Savior, * who saves us from destruction, by your earnest prayers to Him. [SD]