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Hieratikon

Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Octoechos - Mode pl. 2.

On Sunday Morning

Menaion - January 7

Synaxis in Honor of the Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John

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LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

Antiphon 1. Mode 2. Psalm 113.

Verse 1: In the exodus of Israel from Egypt, the house of Jacob. [SAAS]

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Verse 2: Judah became His sanctuary.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Verse 3: The sea saw them and fled, the Jordan turned back.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Verse 4: What is it to you, O Sea, that you fled, and to you, O Jordan, that you turned back?

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Glory. Both now.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Antiphon 2. Mode 2. Psalm 114.

Verse 1: I have loved, because the Lord shall hear the voice of my supplication. [SAAS]

Save us, O Son of God, who were baptized in the Jordan by John. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Verse 2: For He inclined His ear to me, and in my days I shall call upon Him.

Save us, O Son of God, who were baptized in the Jordan by John. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Verse 3: The pains of death surrounded me; the dangers of Hades found me.

Save us, O Son of God, who were baptized in the Jordan by John. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Verse 4: The Lord is merciful and righteous, and our God has mercy.

Save us, O Son of God, who were baptized in the Jordan by John. We sing to You, Alleluia.

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

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

Only-begotten Son and Logos of God, being immortal, You condescended for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and, without change, became man. Christ, our God, You were crucified and conquered death by death. Being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us.

Antiphon 3. Mode 1. Psalm 117.

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever. [SAAS]

Verse 2: Let the house of Israel say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

Verse 3: Let the house of Aaron say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

Verse 4: Let all who fear the Lord say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

Apolytikion of the Feast. 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]

An optional alternative to the Antiphons are the Typika (Psalms 102 and 145), and the Beatitudes with the appointed troparia, which are provided here.

Psalm 102.

Psalm 145.

The Beatitudes.

Mode pl. 2.

Resurrectional.

From Octoechos - - -

In Your kingdom. Remember us, O Lord, when You come in Your kingdom. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [RSV]

Like the robber I entreat You, O my Savior, * when You come in Your kingdom, remember me, * O Lord, and save me, O only benevolent God. [SD]

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. [RSV]

Through a tree was Adam tricked, but You saved him * through a tree, and You saved the robber as well * who cried to You, Lord: In Your kingdom remember me. [SD]

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. [RSV]

After smashing Hades’ bars and gates, O Savior, * as the Giver of life You raised all the dead, * who shouted: Glory to Your resurrection, O Lord. [SD]

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. [RSV]

Theotokion.

In the latter days, ineffably conceiving, * you gave birth to the Lord who created you. * O Virgin, save us who magnify you in song. [SD]

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Ode iii. Mode 2. N/M (The Lord who bestows.)

Ἰσχὺν ὁ διδούς.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. [RSV]

Rejoice today, O Church of Christ! ⁄ Before you were barren and sadly childless; ⁄ now through water and the Spirit sons have been born to you ⁄ and they cry aloud in faith: ⁄ None is holy as our God ⁄ and none is righteous but You, O Lord! [OCA]

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. [RSV]

Rejoice today, O Church of Christ! ⁄ Before you were barren and sadly childless; ⁄ now through water and the Spirit sons have been born to you ⁄ and they cry aloud in faith: ⁄ None is holy as our God ⁄ and none is righteous but You, O Lord! [OCA]

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. [RSV]

The Forerunner cries out in the wilderness: ⁄ Prepare the way of Christ; make straight the pathways for our God ⁄ and cry aloud in faith: ⁄ None is holy as our God ⁄ and none is righteous but You, O Lord! [OCA]

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [RSV]

The Forerunner cries out in the wilderness: ⁄ Prepare the way of Christ; make straight the pathways for our God ⁄ and cry aloud in faith: ⁄ None is holy as our God ⁄ and none is righteous but You, O Lord! [OCA]

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Ode vi. Mode 2. N/M (Like a deep sea, my sins.)

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely [for my sake]. [RSV]

O Forerunner, you the voice of the Word came forth, and you the morning star rose, and thus you clearly announced the Sun of Righteousness. [SD]

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. [RSV]

O all-blessed John, you ignored earthly cares and were rich in heavenly hopes; thus you passed your life on earth like an Angel. [SD]

Glory.

We know you as the seal of the Prophets, for you stand between the Old and New Covenants. We also declare that you are the Baptist and Forerunner of Christ our Savior. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O only Bride of God, your conception is truly inexplicable, and all the faithful know and believe your ineffable and incomprehensible childbirth. [SD]

Entrance Hymn. Mode 2.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Save us, O Son of God, who were baptized in the Jordan by John. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Hymns after the Entrance.

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Apolytikion.

Mode pl. 2.

When the angelic powers appeared at Your tomb, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary, who was seeking Your immaculate body. Unassailed by Hades, You divested it of spoils. Then You met the Virgin. You granted life. O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to You! [GOASD]

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. [SD]

For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

The memory of the just is observed with hymns of praise; for you suffices the testimony of the Lord, O Forerunner. You have proved to be truly more ven’rable than the Prophets, since you were granted to baptize in the river the One whom they proclaimed. Therefore, when for the truth you had contested, rejoicing, to those in Hades you preached the Gospel, that God was manifested in the flesh, and takes away the sin of the world, and grants to us the great mercy. [SD]

The Apolytikion of the parish church is sung. Then:

From Menaion - - -

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]

Instead of Holy God

Mode 1.

As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia. (3) [RSV]

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Have put on Christ. Alleluia.

The Epistle

For the Forerunner.

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 63.

The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse: Hear my voice, O God. [SAAS]

The reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.

Acts 19:1-8

In those days, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve of them in all. And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and pleading about the kingdom of God. [RSV]

Alleluia. Mode 4. Psalm 91.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 1: The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 2: Those planted in the house of the Lord.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

The Gospel

For the Forerunner.

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.

Jn. 1:29-34

At that time, John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” [RSV]

Hymn to the Theotokos.

Ode ix. Heirmos.

Mode 2.

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

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]

Communion Hymn. Psalm 111/112.

The righteous will be remembered for ever. Alleluia. [RSV]

Hymn after Holy Communion.

Instead of “We have seen.”

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]

DISMISSAL

Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.

May He who condescended to be baptized by John in the Jordan, for our salvation, and who rose from the dead, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, in whose honor we have congregated today; of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

Fasting Rule

Fast Free: All foods allowed.