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Menaion - January 6

The Holy Epiphany of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 1.

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 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

As You were baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, then the worship of the Trinity became manifest, for the voice of the Father bore witness to You, naming You the Beloved Son; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ God, who appeared and illumined the world, glory to You. (3) [SD]

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

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

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

At Your epiphany at River Jordan, O Christ, * when by the Forerunner, O Savior, You were baptized, * the voice from heaven testified that You are the beloved Son. * Therefore You were shown to be * with the Father beginningless, * and the Holy Spirit came down * as a dove and alighted on You. * In Him we are illumined and cry out, * Glory to God in Trinity. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

At Your epiphany at River Jordan, O Christ, * when by the Forerunner, O Savior, You were baptized, * the voice from heaven testified that You are the beloved Son. * Therefore You were shown to be * with the Father beginningless, * and the Holy Spirit came down * as a dove and alighted on You. * In Him we are illumined and cry out, * Glory to God in Trinity. [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Jordan River, tell us do: * What did you see and were amazed? * I saw naked Him whom none * can see, and shuddered in fear. * And how was I not to shudder at Him and be frightened? * The Angels, when they saw Him also shuddered in awe. * And heaven was astonished, and astounded was earth. * The sea recoiled along with all things * both visible and invisible. * For Christ appeared in the River Jordan, * to sanctify the waters. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Jordan River, tell us do: * What did you see and were amazed? * I saw naked Him whom none * can see, and shuddered in fear. * And how was I not to shudder at Him and be frightened? * The Angels, when they saw Him also shuddered in awe. * And heaven was astonished, and astounded was earth. * The sea recoiled along with all things * both visible and invisible. * For Christ appeared in the River Jordan, * to sanctify the waters. [SD]

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

You hallowed the waters of the Jordan River, O Lord; * and by Your own might You shattered sin’s dominion, O Christ our God. * You bowed yourself, O Savior, beneath the hand of the Baptist, * and saved the human race from deception and error. * Therefore we intently entreat You to save Your world. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

You hallowed the waters of the Jordan River, O Lord; * and by Your own might You shattered sin’s dominion, O Christ our God. * You bowed yourself, O Savior, beneath the hand of the Baptist, * and saved the human race from deception and error. * Therefore we intently entreat You to save Your world. [SD]

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

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

( Amen. )

CHOIR

First Antiphon.

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 113.

The sea saw them and fled, the Jordan turned back. (2)

Verse: What is it to you, O Sea, that you fled, and to you, O Jordan, that you turned back?

The sea saw them and fled, the Jordan turned back. [SAAS]

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( 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 to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever 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.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

PRIEST (from the gate)

Mk. 1:9-11

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when He came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” [RSV]

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

READER

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.

Leap for joy today, O universe; for Christ has appeared in the Jordan [SD]

Both now.

Leap for joy today, O universe; for Christ has appeared in the Jordan [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 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]

God the Logos has appeared in the flesh to the human race. As He stood in the Jordan waiting to be baptized, the Forerunner said to Him, “How can I reach out with my hand and touch the head that controls the universe? Though as an infant You came from Mary, yet I know You to be the pre-eternal God. You walk on earth, You who are extolled by the Seraphim. And I do not know how a servant ought to baptize his Master. Incomprehensible Lord, glory to You.” [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 most pure Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, 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 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 wonder-workers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the victorious, Demetrios the Myrobletes, Theodore Teron, and Theodore Stratelates; 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, together with Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 4. Automelon.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

You appeared today to us * on earth, O Master, * and Your light was signed on us * who cry aloud to You and say * with understanding, O Christ our God: You came and shone forth, O Light unapproachable. [SD]

Oikos.

On Galilee of the Gentiles, on the region of Zebulon and the land of Nephthalim, as the Prophet declared, a great light has shone, which is the Christ. Dark-dwellers have seen a radiant dawn shining out of Bethlehem, rather out of Mary, as the Lord -- the Sun of Justice -- breaks His rays o’er the whole of civilization. Come then, all unclothed offspring of Adam: let us put on Christ and thus keep warm. For, as a mantle for the denuded and a beacon to the be-darkened, You came and shone forth, O Light unapproachable. [GKD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On January 6 is the holy Epiphany of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory and dominion to the ages of ages. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Epiphany I and II

Ode i. Mode 2.

The Lord who is powerful in battle * once exposed the bottom of deep sea * and He drew His people through it as on dry land, * while there again He engulfed the enemies, * for He is glorified. [SD]

Iambic. Mode 2.

Israel treaded on the sea’s swelling billow, * which had been rendered once again into dry land. * Then the dark waters concealed all the Egyptian * riders together, as a tomb laid in water, * by the mighty strength of the right of the Master. [SD]

Ode iii.

The Lord who bestows upon our rulers His might and exalts * the horn of His own anointed ones * was born of a pure virgin Maid, and now He goes to baptism. O faithful, let us cry aloud * and say that there is no one holy like our God, * and no one is righteous except for You, O Lord. [SD]

Iambic.

From the ancient snares of the gluttonous lions, * whose teeth are broken, we all have been delivered. * Let us exult, then, and our mouth let us widen, * weaving melody from words unto the Logos, * whose delight it is to bestow gifts upon us. [SD]

Ode iv.

When You thundered on the many waters, * O Lord, unto Your Son thus bearing witness, * then he whom You once designated as the voice of the one who cries out in the desert * heard Your voice; and filled with the Spirit there present, he cried aloud and said, * You are the Christ, the wisdom and the power of God. [SD]

Iambic.

Once purged by the fire of mystical vision, * the Prophet, hymning the renewal of mortals, * cried in a loud voice energized by the Spirit, * telling the ineffable Word’s incarnation. * He it is who crushed the power of the princes. [SD]

Ode v.

He is Jesus, the Author of life. * He has come to loose the condemnation of first-created Adam. * Being God, and thus not needing to be purified, * in the Jordan He purifies the one who had fallen. * He put to death the enmity, and therefore He grants the peace that passes all understanding. [SD]

Iambic.

The Spirit’s cleansing has washed away from us now * the dark and dirty enemy’s poison venom. * Therefore we have landed on a new unerring * path, which leads to happiness that has no access, * save to them whom God to himself reconciled. [SD]

Ode vi.

The voice of the Logos, the lantern of the Light, the morning star that precedes the Sun, the Forerunner is in the desert, * crying to all the peoples, Repent and beforehand purify yourselves. * Behold, among us is the Christ, who out of corruption redeems the world. [SD]

Iambic.

With the blessed utterance proclaimed the Father * Him He produced from the womb His beloved Son. * Yes, He said, this is My own connatural offspring, * splendor of My light, now also borne of mankind, * both My living Word, and by providence mortal. [SD]

Ode vii.

When the pious youths were thrown in the furnace all aflame with fire, * the Angel of the Lord went down with them and drove out the fiery flame * and moist whistling wind preserved them free of harm. * Being thus refreshed in the flames, they gave glory, singing in gratitude. * O supremely praised and most exalted Lord and God of the fathers, You are blessed. [SD]

Iambic.

He who impeded once the towering fire * within the furnace that held the pious young men * burned the dragons’ heads in the streams of the river, * and the stubborn stain of sin He has completely * washed away therein, with the dew of the Spirit. [SD]

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

The furnace once in Babylon displayed a paradoxical mystery by pouring out moisture: * that the Jordan was to receive in its streams the immaterial fire, * and hold the Creator when He was being baptized. * Him do the peoples all bless and exalt supremely unto all the ages. [SD]

Iambic.

The created world exults in its liberty, * and sons of the light are they who once were darkened. * Only the champion of darkness is groaning. * Now let the formerly wretched inheritance * of the Nations bless eagerly Him who caused this. [SD]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

From Menaion - - -

Ode ix.

Canon 1.

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἀπορεῖ πᾶσα γλῶσσα.

O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honor and in glory than the armies of heaven.

Every tongue is dumbfounded to extol as is worthy; * a super-mundane mind is dizzied praising you with hymns, O Theotokos. * Nonetheless accept our faith, since you are full of goodness, * for you have seen our longing indeed inspired by God. * Lady, as the protectress of Christians, you do we magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

O my soul, magnify the Lord who has come to the Jordan to be baptized.

In the Spirit, O David, come be present and sing out * to those being illumined, Now approach to God in faith and be illumined. * Adam who was fallen cried aloud, being the poor man, * and truly the Lord heard him; and therefore He has come, * and in the streams of the Jordan He renewed him, the corrupted one. [SD]

O my soul, magnify the Lord who is requesting the Forerunner to baptize Him.

Wash yourselves and be clean, says the Prophet Isaiah, * and put away your evildoing from before the Lord’s eyes. * All you who are thirsty go now to the living water. * For Christ will sprinkle those who believing run to Him * with water that renews; and He baptizes them * with the Spirit unto undecaying life. [SD]

O my soul, magnify the One to whom the voice of the Father bore witness.

By the grace and the seal let us believers preserve ourselves. * For as the Hebrews once escaped destruction when the lintel had been bloodied, * likewise this baptismal laver of regeneration * will be a passing over and exodus for us, * where we shall see the Trinity’s never-setting light. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Iambic Canon.

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ὢ τῶν ὑπὲρ νοῦν.

Today the Lord and Master bows His head beneath the hand of John the Baptist.

O all spotless Bride, surpassing comprehension * are the wonders of your childbirth, blessed Mother! * Through you obtaining comprehensive salvation, * we bring you a gift in striking up this worthy * hymn of gratitude to you our Benefactress. [SD]

Today John the Baptist baptizes the Master in the streams of the Jordan.

O all spotless Bride, surpassing comprehension * are the wonders of your childbirth, blessed Mother! * Through you obtaining comprehensive salvation, * we bring you a gift in striking up this worthy * hymn of gratitude to you our Benefactress. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory.

O my soul, magnify the power of the Godhead, that is three hypostases and also undivided.

We have come to know the wonders shown to Moses * in the Bush by some strange laws are here accomplished: * preserved uninjured was the fire-bearing Virgin * when she brought forth the light-bringing Benefactor, * as were Jordan’s streams when they received the Master. [SD]

Both now.

O my soul, magnify the ever-virgin Maid who from the curse has redeemed us.

In unsullied streams You purged our mortal nature * from the darkness, eternal King; You perfect it * when You anoint it with the Spirit’s communion. * And triumphing over the elated power, * to unending life transfer us now, we pray You. [SD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Mode 2.

O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honor and in glory than the armies of heaven.

Every tongue is dumbfounded to extol as is worthy; * a super-mundane mind is dizzied praising you with hymns, O Theotokos. * Nonetheless accept our faith, since you are full of goodness, * for you have seen our longing indeed inspired by God. * Lady, as the protectress of Christians, you do we magnify. [SD]

Iambic.

O my soul, magnify the ever-virgin Maid who from the curse has redeemed us.

O all spotless Bride, surpassing comprehension * are the wonders of your childbirth, blessed Mother! * Through you obtaining comprehensive salvation, * we bring you a gift in striking up this worthy * hymn of gratitude to you our Benefactress. [SD]

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

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

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. Automelon.

Ἐπεφάνη ὁ Σωτήρ.

Our Savior, grace and truth, * appeared in His Epiphany * in the streams of the Jordan; * and those who lay once in the dark * and shadow He illumined now. * He has come and appeared, * the Light unapproachable. (3) [SD]

Lauds. Mode 1.

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

Stichera for the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

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

Light from Light, Christ our God, has shone upon the world. He is God and He appeared to us. O peoples, let us worship Him. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

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

Light from Light, Christ our God, has shone upon the world. He is God and He appeared to us. O peoples, let us worship Him. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

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

How shall we servants worthily honor You the Master, O Christ, for renewing us all in the waters? [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

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

When You our Savior were baptized in the River Jordan, You sanctified the waters, You were touched by the hand of Your servant, and You cured the world’s passions. Great is the mystery of Your economy! O benevolent Lord, glory to You! [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

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

The true Light has appeared and bestows illumination on all. Christ is baptized with us, even though He is above all purity; and thus He infuses sanctification into the water, which then becomes the purifying agent of our souls. What is seen belongs to earth; but what is understood transcends the heavens. By means of a bath comes salvation; by means of water comes the Spirit; by means of immersion does our ascent to God come to pass. How wonderful are Your works, O Lord! Glory to You! [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

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

He who wraps heaven in clouds wraps himself today in the streams of the Jordan. He who takes away the sin of the world washes himself in a wash that is meant for me. The cognate Spirit from above testifies of Him, that He is the Most High Father’s Only-begotten Son. To Him let us cry aloud, “O Christ our God who appeared to us and saved us, glory to You!” [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

You wrapped yourself in the waters of the Jordan, O Savior who puts on light as a garment; and You bowed Your head before the Forerunner, O Lord who measured heaven with the span of Your hand, so as to turn the world back from error and to save our souls. [SD]

The [second] choir sings the following Idiomelon, up to the asterisk; then the first choir begins the Great Doxology, starting with the last verse of the Idiomelon: “Glory be to God…”

Both now.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

Today Christ came to be baptized in the Jordan. Today John touches the head of the Master. The hosts of heaven were astounded seeing the paradoxal mystery. The sea beheld it and fled; when the Jordan saw, it retreated. And we who are now illumined cry aloud, * “Glory be to God who appeared, and who was seen on earth, and who illumined the world.” [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

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.

GREAT BLESSING OF WATER

By Sophronios Patriarch of Jerusalem.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters, crying out and saying, “Come all, and receive the Spirit of wisdom, the Spirit of understanding, the Spirit of the fear of God, yes, of Christ, who has come in His epiphany.” (3) [SD]

Today the substance of water is made holy, for the Master is washed in the Jordan. When the River sees Him, it stops its flow and bursts forth. (2) [SD]

You have come to the River as a man, O Christ our King; and You urgently request to receive a Baptism befitting a servant, at the hands of the Forerunner, all because of our sins, O good and benevolent Lord. (2) [SD]

Glory. Both now. Mode pl. 4.

When You had taken the form of a servant, O Lord, You approached John, the voice of the one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” and You requested Baptism, although You were without sin. The waters saw You and were afraid. The Forerunner trembled in reaction, and he cried out and said, “How can I, who am the lamp, illumine You, who are the Light? How can I, the servant, lay my hand on You, my Master? I pray You sanctify me and the waters, O Savior, who takes away the sin of the world!” [SD]

The Readings

READER

The reading is from the Prophecy of Isaiah.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Is 35:1-10

Thus says the Lord: Be glad, you thirsty desert, and rejoice exceedingly, and let the desert blossom as a lily. The desert places of the Jordan shall blossom abundantly and rejoice exceedingly. The glory of Lebanon and the honor of Carmel shall be given to it, and My people shall see the glory of the Lord and the majesty of our God. Be strong, you relaxed hands and feeble knees. Be comforted, you fainthearted. Be strong, do not fear. Behold, our God renders judgment and will render it. He will come and save us. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall hear. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb will speak clearly. For water shall burst forth in the desert, and a valley in the thirsty land. The waterless desert shall become meadows, and the thirsty land springs of water. There will be the gladness of birds, a habitation of reeds and marshes. A pure way shall be there, and it shall be called a holy way. No unclean man shall pass through there, neither shall there be an unclean way there. But those dispersed shall walk in it, and they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous animals go up on it, nor at all be found there. But the redeemed shall walk in it, and those gathered by the Lord shall return and come to Zion with gladness, and with everlasting gladness over their head. For praise and exceeding joy will be on their head, and gladness shall possess them. Pain, sorrow, and sighing fled away. [SAAS]

READER

The reading is from the Prophecy of Isaiah.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Is 55:1-13

Thus says the Lord: “You who are thirsty, go to the water, and all who have no money, go and buy wine and fat, and eat and drink without money and price. Why do you value at the price of money, and give your toil for what does not satisfy? Listen to Me and eat good things, and your soul will delight in good things. Incline your ears and follow my ways. Listen to Me, and your soul shall live in good things; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the holy and faithful things of David. Behold, I made him a witness among the Gentiles, a ruler and commander to the Gentiles. The Gentiles, which did not know you, shall call upon you, and the peoples who did not understand you shall take refuge in you, because of your God, the Holy One of Israel; for He glorified you.” Seek God, and when you find Him, call upon Him when He draws near to you. Let the ungodly man abandon his ways, and the lawless man his counsels; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; for He shall forgive your sins abundantly. “For My counsels are not as your counsels, neither are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “But as heaven is distant from earth, so is My way distant from your ways, and your thoughts from My mind. For as rain comes down, or snow from heaven, and does not return until it saturates the earth, and it brings forth and produces, and gives seed to the sower and bread for food, so shall My word be, whatever proceeds from My mouth. It shall not return until it accomplishes whatever I willed, and I shall prosper your ways and My commandments. For you shall go forth with gladness and shall be taught with joy, for the mountains and hills shall exult to receive you with joy; and all the trees of the field shall applaud with their branches. Instead of the broom-tree shall come up the cypress, and instead of the nettle shall come up the myrtle; and the Lord shall be for a name and for an everlasting sign, and He shall not fail.” [SAAS]

READER

The reading is from the Prophecy of Isaiah.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Is 12:3-6

Thus says the Lord: You will draw water with gladness from the wells of salvation. In that day, you will say, “Praise the Lord; call upon His name. Declare His glorious things among the Gentiles and make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the name of the Lord, for He has done great things. Declare this in all the earth. Exult and be glad, O inhabitants of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel is exalted in her midst.” [SAAS]

The Epistle

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode 3. Psalm 26.

The Lord is my light and my savior.

Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life. [SAAS]

DEACON

Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

READER

1 Cor. 10:1-4

Brethren, I want you to know that our Fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Christ. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be with you the reader.

CHOIR

Alleluia. Grave Mode. Psalm 44.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Alleluia is sung thrice. Verses may be found in the Liturgy - Variable Parts of the day.)

Verse 1: My heart overflowed with a good word. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Alleluia is sung thrice. Verses may be found in the Liturgy - Variable Parts of the day.)

Verse 2: You are more beautiful than the sons of men. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Alleluia is sung thrice. Verses may be found in the Liturgy - Variable Parts of the day.)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

PRIEST

Let us be attentive.

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

DEACON

Mk. 1:9-11

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when He came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be with you.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

DEACON

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

For our Archbishop (Name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Sacred Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

That this water might be hallowed by the might, and operation, and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

That there may descend upon these waters the cleansing operation of the super substantial Trinity; let us pray to the Lord.

That there may be sent down upon it the Grace of Redemption, the blessing of the Jordan; let us pray to the Lord.

That we may be illumined with the Light of Knowledge and Piety through the descent of the Holy Spirit; let us pray to the Lord.

That this water may become the gift of sanctification, redemption from sins, for the healing of soul and body, and for every suitable purpose, let us pray to the Lord.

That it may become water welling up to eternal life; let us pray to the Lord.

That this water may prove effectual for the averting of every plot of visible and invisible enemies; let us pray to the Lord.

For those who are sprinkled with it and take it for the blessing of homes; let us pray to the Lord.

That it may be for the purification of soul and body to all who with faith take and drink of it; let us pray to the Lord.

That we may be granted to be filled with sanctification through drinking this water, by the invisible manifestation of the Holy Spirit; let us pray to the Lord.

That the Lord God may listen to the voice of the prayer of us sinners and have mercy on us; let us pray to the Lord.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

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

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

The priest prays inaudibly.

Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son in the bosom of the Father, true God, Source of life and immortality, Light of Light: as You came into the world to enlighten it, illumine our minds with Your Holy Spirit, and accept us as we offer You glory and thanksgiving for Your wonderful, mighty works from all ages, and for Your saving dispensation in these latter times, when You clothed Yourself in our weak and poor substance and condescended to the place of a servant. You are the King of all, yet You condescended to be baptized in Jordan at the hands of a servant, that having sanctified the nature of water, sinless One, You might lead us to a new birth through water and the Spirit and restore us again to our first freedom. We celebrate the memory of this divine mystery and pray You, Lord and Lover of mankind: According to Your divine promise, sprinkle cleansing water upon us, Your unworthy servants, as a gift of Your compassion. May the supplications of us sinners over this water be well pleasing to Your goodness and may Your blessing through it be bestowed upon us and all Your faithful people, to the glory of Your holy and adorable name. For to You, together with Your Father Who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, belong all glory, honor and worship, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. [OCA]

Having said the Amen to himself, when the Deacon has finished the Litany, the Priest begins the following Prayer in a loud voice:

By Sophronios Patriarch of Jerusalem.

PRIEST

O Trinity supreme in being, in goodness, and in Godhead, almighty, who watch over all, invisible, incomprehensible, Maker of spiritual beings and rational natures, innate Goodness, Light that none can approach and that lightens every man that comes into the world: Shine also upon me Your unworthy servant. Enlighten the eyes of my understanding that I may make bold to sing the praises of Your measureless beneficence and Your might. May the prayer be acceptable that I offer for the people here present. Let not my faults hinder Your Holy Spirit from coming to this place, but suffer me now uncondemned to cry to You, O most good Lord, and to say: We glorify You, O Master who love mankind, almighty, pre-eternal King. We glorify You, the Creator and Maker of all. We glorify You, O Only-begotten Son of God, born without father from Your Mother, and without mother from Your Father. In the preceding feast we saw You as a child, while in the present we behold You full-grown, our God made manifest, perfect God from perfect God. For today the time of the feast is at hand for us: the choir of saints assembles with us and angels join with men in keeping festival. Today the grace of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended upon the waters. Today the Sun that never sets has risen and the world is filled with splendor by the light of the Lord. Today the moon shines upon the world with the brightness of its rays. Today the glittering stars make the inhabited earth fair with the radiance of their shining. Today the clouds drop down upon mankind the dew of righteousness from on high. Today the Uncreated of His own will accepts the laying on of hands from His own creature. Today the Prophet and Forerunner approaches the Master, but stands before Him with trembling, seeing the condescension of God towards us. Today the waters of the Jordan are transformed into healing by the coming of the Lord. Today the whole creation is watered by mystical streams. Today the transgressions of men are washed away by the waters of the Jordan. Today Paradise has been opened to men and the Sun of Righteousness shines down upon us. Today the bitter water, as once with Moses and the people of Israel, is changed to sweetness by the coming of the Lord. Today we have been released from our ancient lamentation, and as the new Israel we have found salvation. Today we have been delivered from darkness and illuminated with the light of the knowledge of God. Today the blinding mist of the world is dispersed by the Epiphany of our God. Today the whole creation shines with light from on high. Today error is laid low and the coming of the Master has made for us a way of salvation. Today things above keep feast with things below, and things below commune with things above. Today the triumphant assembly of the Orthodox keeps this holy festival with great joy. Today the Master hastens towards baptism that He may lift man up to the heights. Today He that bows not, bows down to His own servant that He may set us free from bondage. Today we have purchased the Kingdom of Heaven: for the Lord’s Kingdom shall have no end. Today earth and sea share the joy of the world, and the world is filled with gladness. The waters saw You, O God, the waters saw You and were afraid. The Jordan turned back, seeing the fire of the Godhead descend­ing bodily and entering its stream. The Jordan turned back, beholding the Holy Spirit coming down in the form of a dove and flying about You. The Jordan turned back, seeing the Invisible made visible, the Creator made flesh, the Master in the form of a servant. The Jordan turned back and the mountains skipped, looking upon God in the flesh; and the clouds gave voice, marveling at Him who was come, the Light of Light, true God of true God. For today in the Jordan they saw the triumph of the Master; they saw Him drown in the Jordan the death of disobedience, the sting of error, and the chains of hell, and bestow upon the world the baptism of salvation. Therefore, sinner and unworthy servant though I am, I recount the majesty of Your wonders and, seized with fear, in compunction I cry aloud to You: [GOASD]

After completing this, he says in a louder voice,

You are great, Lord, and wonderful are Your works, and no word suffices to hymn your wonders! (3) [OCA]

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

For by Your own will, You have brought all things into being from nothing; by Your might You sustain all creation and by Your providence You direct the world. You have fittingly framed creation out of four elements; You crowned the circle of the year with four seasons. All the reason-endowed powers tremble before You. The sun sings Your praises and the moon glorifies You. The stars intercede with You. The light obeys You. The deeps shudder before You. The water springs serve You. You have spread out the heavens like a curtain. You have established the earth upon the waters. With sand you have walled in the sea. You have poured forth air for breathing. The angelic powers minister to You. The choirs of archangels worship You. The many-eyed cherubim and the six-winged seraphim as they stand round about and fly, cover themselves in fear before Your unapproachable glory. For You are the unoriginate, uncircumscribed and ineffable God, Who came down upon earth, taking the form of a servant and being made in the likeness of men. For You could not endure, Master, in Your tender mercy, to see the human race under the tyranny of the devil, but You came and saved us. We confess Your grace; we proclaim Your mercy; we do not conceal Your bountiful compassion. You have set free the offspring of our human nature; by Your birth You sanctified a virgin’s womb. All creation sings praises to You, for You have revealed Yourself. You appeared on earth, our God, and dwelt among men. You sanctified the streams of Jordan, sending down from heaven Your all-holy Spirit, and crushing the heads of the serpents that lurked there. [OCA]

Therefore, O King, the Lover of mankind, be present even now through the descent of Your Holy Spirit, and sanctify this water. (3) [OCA]

( Amen. )

And give it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Make it a fountain of incorruption, a gift of sanctification for the remission of sins, a protection against disease, the destruction of demons, inaccessible to hostile powers, filled with angelic might. May it be to all those who draw from it and partake of it for the cleansing of their souls and bodies, for the healing of their passions, for the sanctification of their homes and for every good purpose. For You are our God, Who through water and the Spirit, has renewed our nature, grown corrupt in sin. You are our God, Who with water drowned sin in the days of Noah. You are our God, Who by the sea through Moses, set free from slavery to Pharaoh the Hebrew race. You are our God, Who cleaved the rock in the wilderness so that water gushed forth and streams overflowed and satisfied Your thirsty people. You are our God, Who by water and fire through Elijah, brought Israel back from the error of Baal. [OCA]

Master, even now, sanctify this water by Your Holy Spirit. (3) [OCA]

( Amen. )

Grant to all who touch it, anoint themselves with it and partake of it, sanctification, blessing, cleansing and health. [OCA]

And save, Lord, our faithful rulers. (3) [OCA]

and keep them in peace beneath Your protection. Subdue under them every enemy and adversary; grant all their petitions which are unto salvation and life eternal. Remember, Lord, our Archbishop (name), all the priests, deacons and clergy, all in the monastic order and all Your people here present, together with our brethren who are absent for a just cause, and have mercy on them and on us, according to Your great mercy. That by the elements, by the angels and by men, by things visible and invisible, Your all-holy name may be glorified, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. [OCA]

( Amen. )

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

( To You, O Lord. )

Lord, as You condescended to be baptized in the Jordan, sanctifying the waters, incline Your ear and listen to us, Lord. Bless us all who by the bowing of our necks signify our servitude and make us worthy to be filled with Your sanctification through partaking of this water and by being sprinkled with it. And may be for us, Lord, health of our souls and bodies. [OCA]

Exclamation.

For You are the sanctification of our souls and bodies, and to You we send up glory, thanksgiving and worship, with Your Father Who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. [OCA]

( Amen. )

And then blessing the water, making the sign of the cross, the priest plunges the Cross into the water and lifts it again, holding it with both hands. He begins the troparion, which is either taken up, or repeated by the choir the three times the Cross is dipped.

PRIEST

Apolytikion. Mode 1.

As You were baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, then the worship of the Trinity became manifest, for the voice of the Father bore witness to You, naming You the Beloved Son; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ God, who appeared and illumined the world, glory to You. [SD]

CHOIR

As You were baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, then the worship of the Trinity became manifest, for the voice of the Father bore witness to You, naming You the Beloved Son; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ God, who appeared and illumined the world, glory to You. (2) [SD]

And he sprinkles all the People with the water.

On January 5.

Kontakion. For the Forefeast.

Mode 4. You appeared today.

To the flowing streams today * of River Jordan * comes the Lord and cries aloud * to John the Baptist, and He says, * “Be not afraid to baptize me now; * for I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man.” [SD]

On January 6.

Kontakion. For the Feast.

Mode 4. Automelon.

You appeared today to us * on earth, O Master, * and Your light was signed on us * who cry aloud to You and say * with understanding, O Christ our God: You came and shone forth, O Light unapproachable. [SD]

Entering the nave, we sing the following:

CHOIR

Mode 2.

The Trinity was made manifest in the Jordan: ⁄ for the Father, supreme in divinity, bore witness, saying: ⁄ He who is baptized here is My beloved Son. ⁄ And the Spirit, equal in divinity, rested upon Him ⁄ Whom the peoples bless and exalt above all forever. [OCA]

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

As You were baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, then the worship of the Trinity became manifest, for the voice of the Father bore witness to You, naming You the Beloved Son; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ God, who appeared and illumined the world, glory to You. [SD]