Books - Sources

Octoechos - Mode pl. 2.

On Sunday Morning

Menaion - January 7

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

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 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.

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]

Glory. 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]

Both now.

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]

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 2.

The sepulcher had been opened, and Hades was lamenting. And Mary cried aloud to the Apostles in hiding, “You laborers of the vineyard, go out and proclaim the message of the resurrection: The Lord has risen and granted to the world the great mercy.” [GOASD]

Glory.

Standing by Your sepulcher was Mary Magdalene, O Lord, and she was weeping loudly; and mistaking You for the gardener, she said to You, “Where have you laid Him who is everlasting life? Where have you hidden Him who sits enthroned upon the Cherubim? Out of fear, those who guarded Him became like dead men. Either give my Lord to me or cry aloud along with me, ‘You were among the dead and raised the dead. Glory to You!’” [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Both now. For the Feast.

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]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

Mode pl. 2.

Life was placed in the tomb, and a seal was placed on the stone. The soldiers were guarding Christ like a sleeping king. Then the Lord struck His enemies and stunned them, as He awoke and rose. [GOASD]

Glory.

Jonah was a sign of Your burial, and Symeon revealed Your rising as God, O immortal Lord. In the tomb as a dead man, You went down into Hades, and You broke down its gates. Then You rose from the dead without decay as the Master, for the salvation of the world, O Christ our God, giving light to those who sat in darkness. [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Both now. For the Feast.

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]

Resurrectional Evlogetaria.

Mode pl. 1.

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

When the hosts of the Angels saw how You were accounted among the dead, they all marveled. You, O Savior, are the One who destroyed the might of death; and when You arose You raised Adam with yourself and from Hades liberated everyone. [SD]

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

“Why do you mingle the ointments with your tears full of pity, O women disciples?” Thus the Angel who was shining in the tomb cried to the myrrh-bearing women. “See for yourselves the empty tomb and understand, that the Savior has risen from the sepulcher.”

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

Very early in the morning, the myrrh-bearing women were hastening to Your tomb lamenting. But the Angel appeared to them and uttered, “The time for lamentation has ended; weep no more. Go announce the Resurrection to the Apostles.”

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

When the myrrh-bearing women had come with their spices to Your sepulcher, O Savior, they heard the voice of an Angel clearly speaking to them, “Why do you account among the dead the One who lives? For as God, He has risen from the sepulcher.”

Glory.

We bow down in worship to the Father and His Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in essence; and we cry aloud with the Seraphim: Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O Lord.

Both now.

Giving birth to the Giver of life, O Virgin, you delivered Adam from sin, and to Eve you have rendered joy in place of sorrow. He who from you became incarnate, God and man, has directed to life him who fell from it.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

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. )

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Hypakoe. Mode pl. 2.

By your voluntary, life-giving death, O Christ, You smashed the gates of Hades as God, and You opened to us the ancient Garden of Paradise. Then rising from the dead, You delivered our life from destruction. [GOASD]

CHOIR

Anavathmoi.

First Antiphon. Mode pl. 2.

I lift my eyes to You in heaven, O Logos. Show me mercy, so that I may live in You. [GOASD]

Have mercy on us who are the object of contempt, O Logos, and make us Your useful vessels. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is the cause of the salvation of all. When He blows on anyone as befits His nature, He quickly uplifts them from anything mundane, He gives them wings, He gives them growth, He gives them high position. [GOASD]

Second Antiphon.

If the Lord had not been with us, none of us could have withstood a single battle with the foe. Those who are victorious are from here exalted. [GOASD]

Let not my soul be caught like a sparrow in their teeth, O Logos. Woe is me! How shall I be delivered from the enemy, enamored with sin as I am? [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit deification is possible for all, good pleasure, understanding, peace, and blessing. He has the same energies as the Father and the Logos. [GOASD]

Third Antiphon.

Those who trust in the Lord are fearsome to foes and marveled by all, for they look up to heaven. [GOASD]

Having You as helper, the inheritance of the righteous do not stretch out their hands in lawlessness, O Savior. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is universal dominion, which the armies in heaven worship, as does every breathing being on earth. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon.

O Lord, raise up Your power, and come for our salvation. (2)

Verse: Give heed, O You who shepherd Israel.

O Lord, raise up Your power, and come for our salvation. [SAAS]

Eothinon Gospel (Not EP / GOA)

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 John.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

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

PRIEST (from the altar table)

Eothinon Eothinon 9

John. 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and My God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name. [RSV]

( 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]

CHOIR

Psalm 50 (51).

Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)

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. And have mercy on me, O God. [SAAS]

Glory.

At the intercession of the Apostles, 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]

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

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy. [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, in whose honor we have congregated today; 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. )

Ode 1: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode i. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Ὡς ἐν ἠπείρῳ πεζεύσας.

When they had walked through the Red Sea as over land, * the people of Israel watched as Pharaoh and his host * in pursuit were drowned. Then Moses said, * “Let us sing a song of victory to God our Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

By stretching out Your divine hands upon the Cross, * O good Savior Jesus Christ, You have filled the whole wide world * with Your Father’s good pleasure; and so * we all sing a song of victory to You, O Lord. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

With abject fear, as a slave under Your command, * death approached You, Master Christ who are also Lord of life. * And through death You have awarded us * resurrection and the gift of never-ending life. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Virgin, accepting your Maker into yourself, * when incomprehensibly He so willed and took on flesh * from your womb without the seed of man, * you indeed became the Lady of creation all. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Βυθοῦ ἀνεκάλυψε.

The Lord mighty in battle ⁄ uncovered the foundations of the deep and led his servants on dry ground ⁄ while He covered their adversaries with the waters, ⁄ for He has been glorified! [OCA]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Lord, the King of the ages, ⁄ renewed corrupted Adam, in the streams of Jordan. ⁄ He shattered the heads of the dragons hidden there, ⁄ for He has been glorified! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Lord, incarnate of the Virgin, ⁄ having clothed material flesh with the immaterial fire of His divinity, ⁄ wraps Himself in the waters of Jordan, ⁄ for He has been glorified! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Lord who purges out the filth of men, ⁄ was cleansed in the Jordan for their sake. ⁄ Of His own will, He made Himself like them, ⁄ while yet remaining what He was. ⁄ He enlightens those in darkness, ⁄ for He has been glorified! [OCA]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Let us sing to the Lord.)

Τῷ τὴν ἄβατον.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

I am immersed in the stormy waters of my passions, O Forerunner; come and save me by your intercessions. For you became a holy and most pure vessel of dispassion, since you were dedicated to the Lord from the beginning as an infant. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O all-blessed John, the Angel who stands in the presence of God joyfully announced the birth of you, the peer of angels who would become the Lord’s Forerunner and friend, to Zacharias your venerable father as he served as a priest. [SD]

Glory.

O all-venerable Prophet, you were filled with the All-holy Spirit while you were being carried in your mother’s womb; and you joyfully made known the Fruit of virginity when you leapt with delight and worshiped Him. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure and all-blameless Virgin, the sacred temple of virginity, who conceived God the Logos in your womb, by your intercessions, save us who run to you and pray to you, and deliver us from attacks and danger. [SD]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. 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 3: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Οὔκ ἐστιν ἅγιος.

No one is holy like the Lord, * no one righteous like our God. * Being good, You exalted Your believers’ horn of strength, * firmly establishing us * on the rock of confession of faith in You. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Creation saw as God was hung * on a cross in the body, * and in fear it began to fall apart; but it was held * firmly in the mighty hand * of the Savior, who for us was crucified. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

By death is wretched death undone, * like a corpse lying lifeless; * for unable to endure the divine attack of Life, * the strong man was put to death. * And the gift of resurrection goes to all. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

You supernaturally conceived * in your womb and gave birth to * God, O pure one, preserving your virginity throughout. * The wonder of your divine * childbirth transcends nature’s conventions all. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Ἰσχὺν ὁ διδούς.

The Lord who gives strength to our kings ⁄ and exalts the horn of his anointed, ⁄ is born of a Virgin and comes to Baptism. ⁄ Therefore let us, the faithful, cry aloud: ⁄ None is holy as our God ⁄ and none is righteous but You, O Lord! [OCA]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

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]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

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]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

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]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (You strengthened me.)

Ἐν πέτρᾳ με τῆς πίστεως.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

Forerunner of the Lord, and initiate of grace, O all-acclaimed companion of the Angels, you cancelled the reproach of barrenness, and you recognized the Virgin’s divine Child, and you leapt for joy in your mother’s womb. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Prophet who were preferred above all, you came before the Lord and prepared His ways; for, you were the lamp shining on all, and in the water you revealed Him to be the effulgence of the Father’s glory, when He appeared in a body. [SD]

Glory.

O John, you rose like the break of day, declaring the Sun of Righteousness to those in darkness; for you became the herald and Forerunner of the salvation of all, and you said to all: Come to Christ with faith and be saved. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God, you received inexpressible joy, and without seed you conceived your Master, Who was calling back to Himself the entire earth. We shout to Him: No one is holy except for you You, O Lord. [SD]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 2.

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 3: Short Litany

DEACON

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 You are our God, 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. )

Secondary Kontakion

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

Christ God, the Giver of Life, resurrected all who had ever died, from the dismal caverns, with His vivifying hand, and He granted resurrection to our mortal human nature. For He is the Savior of all, the resurrection and the life, and God of the universe. [GOASD]

Oikos.

O Giver of Life, we the faithful extol and venerate Your cross and burial; for You, O immortal, omnipotent God, overpowered and vanquished the netherworld. You crushed the gates of Hades, O God, and You destroyed the power of death. Now we, born on earth, with fervor sing praise to You who rose from the dead, destroyed the power of the murderous foe, resurrected everyone who believed in You, rescued the world from the sting of the serpent, and as the ultimate strong man freed us from the foe’s deception. From now on we solemnly sing the praises of Your resurrection, by which You saved us, as God of the universe. [GOASD]

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (The soldiers.)

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

The Lord, like a great rain, comes in the flesh to the streams of the river, wishing to be baptized. The godly Forerunner was amazed, and he spoke to Him, “How can I baptize You, who have no defilement? How can I lay my hand on Your divine head, of which all things are in awe?” [SD]

Glory. Both now.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (Joseph marveled.)

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Our incomprehensible God voluntarily came down to earth and became incarnate for us, as He was well pleased to do; and He who is our illumination accepted to be baptized. At that time, the Forerunner said to Him, “O Savior, I dare not touch Your head, for I see that Your are incomprehensible, O Lord. Glory to You, O Logos, for You order all things for our benefit.” [SD]

Ode 4: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Χριστός μου δύναμις.

The holy Church of God exclaims befittingly, * “Christ is God and my Lord, and He is my strength.” * She is celebrating in the Lord and sings to Him * from a mind that has been purified. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The tree of true eternal life has blossomed, O Christ. * For on Calvary planted, Your precious Cross * was watered by blood and water spilling from Your holy side; * it produced the fruit of life for us. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Since Christ, who fashioned human nature, being God, * has removed all obstructions and opened wide * the path to life for me, the serpent whispers no more to me * false suggestions of becoming a god. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Incomprehensible, indeed ineffable, * for all people on earth and the hosts on high, * are the divine mysteries, O Virgin Mother of God, * of your marvelous conception of God. [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Ἀκήκοε Κύριε φωνῇς σου.

Lord, the one You called the Voice of one crying in the wilderness, ⁄ heard Your voice when You thundered on many waters. ⁄ He bore witness to Your Son! ⁄ Wholly filled with the coming Spirit, he cried aloud: ⁄ You are Christ, the Wisdom and the Power of God! [OCA]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Who has seen the Sun, bright by nature, being cleansed? ⁄ Then how, cried the Preacher, Shall I wash You in the waters? ⁄ You are the brightness of the glory, ⁄ the Image of the everlasting Father! ⁄ How shall I who am grass with my hand touch the divine fire? ⁄ For You are Christ, the Wisdom and the Power of God! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Moses, when he encountered You, ⁄ manifested the holy reverence he felt: ⁄ He heard Your voice from the bush and turned away his gaze at once! ⁄ Then how shall I behold You openly? ⁄ How shall I lay my hand upon You? ⁄ For You are Christ, the Wisdom and the Power of God! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I am endowed with an understanding soul ⁄ and honored with the power of reason, ⁄ yet I respect the things that have no soul. ⁄ If I baptize You, I shall have as my accusers the mountain that smoked with fire, ⁄ the sea which fled on either side, and this same Jordan which turned back. ⁄ For You are Christ, the Wisdom and the Power of God! [OCA]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M ()

Ὑμνῶ σε· ἀκοῇ.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O all-venerable John, you were sent ahead by the Master, to wash with water those who were stained, and to prepare them to receive Christ, who takes away sin and drives away error with the radiance of the knowledge of God. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O blessed John, you baptized Christ in the waters of the Jordan, wherein He as Savior crushed the wickedness of the dragons that was lurking there. Entreat Him to cure me of the poison of the dragon’s bite. [SD]

Glory.

O herald of Christ, you went forth, adorned with the wisdom of God. You became the voice of one crying out, which said, “Repent!” And as a Prophet you foretold of Him who said that you were the greatest of all men. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-pure Virgin, the Lord and fashioner of all things is formed like we are; for He entered your all-holy womb, and He clothed Himself with the form of man and rescued His image. [SD]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 2.

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 5: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode v. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Τῷ θείῳ φέγγει σου.

With Your divine light illumine souls, * who with yearning early in the morning rise to You, O good Lord, I pray, * so that they may know You, Word of God, as truly God, * who calls them back from darkness and from the night of sin. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The cherubim now stand down for me, * and the fiery sword that guards the tree of life turns away from me, O Lord; * for they saw that You, the Word of God and truly God, * had led the way for the Robber into Paradise. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

I am no longer afraid of death * nor of my return to earth, O Master Christ, for You raised me up from earth, * where I was forgotten, in Your great mercy, to heights * of incorruption, by Your resurrection, O Lord. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O gracious Lady of all the world, * save us who wholeheartedly confess you Theotokos, Mother of God. * We are blest to have you as unassailable * protection, for you truly have given birth to God. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Ἰησοῦς ὁ ζωῆς ἀρχηγός.

Jesus, the Prince of life, ⁄ has come to set loose from condemnation the first-formed man! ⁄ Though as God He needs no cleansing, ⁄ for the sake of fallen man He is cleansed in the Jordan! ⁄ In its streams He slew the enmity ⁄ and grants peace past all understanding. [OCA]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

A multitude without number came to be baptized by John. ⁄ Standing in their midst he raised his voice and said: ⁄ Disobedient ones, who warned you to flee the wrath to come? ⁄ Offer worthy fruits to Christ, ⁄ for He is present now, granting peace. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

A multitude without number came to be baptized by John. ⁄ Standing in their midst he raised his voice and said: ⁄ Disobedient ones, who warned you to flee the wrath to come? ⁄ Offer worthy fruits to Christ, ⁄ for He is present now, granting peace. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Husbandman and Creator ⁄ stands in men’s midst as one of them and searches their hearts. ⁄ In His hand He takes the winnowing fan; ⁄ in the fullness of His wisdom He cleanses the threshing floor of the universe, ⁄ dividing the wheat from the chaff, burning the barren. ⁄ He grants eternal life to those who bring forth good fruit! [OCA]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (You are the light.)

Ὁ φωτισμός.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Forerunner, you were arrayed with the light of supernatural virtue, and inspired from heaven, you came to the Jordan River, and you baptized and cleansed through water those who approached you with wholehearted faith. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

When it was time for you to baptize the pure and undefiled Light, you proved to be a vessel of purity; for you were chosen by Him as being greater than all men, and most honorable of the Prophets, for you were counted worthy to see the One about whom they had prophesied. [SD]

Glory.

The Forerunner, who was sent before the face of the Lord, and shows men His straight paths, trembling touches the Master’s head and baptizes Him, saying, “I know no other God except for You.” [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, your Son proved to be the Son of God as well, and as God He accomplished mighty deeds by His will alone. We all therefore truly and properly call you the Theotokos, for we know no other Mother of God except for you. [SD]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 2.

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 6: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Τοῦ βίου τὴν θάλασσαν.

I see when my life becomes rough and stormy like the sea; * temptations feel like turbulence. * So I turn to the safe harbor of Your Church, * and calmly I pray to You: * Raise my life from corruption, very merciful Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Master, You freed the world, being crucified for us; * for by the nails, the curse on us * has been canceled, and also the bond that stood * against Adam and us all * was shredded by the spear that pierced Your side, O Lord. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Enticed by deceptive means, Adam slipped and tumbled down * to Hades’ pit of punishment. * O compassionate Christ, and by nature God, * You went down to look for him. * On Your shoulders You put him, and You raised him with You. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

All-pure and immaculate Lady, you for us gave birth * to Him who governs all as Lord. * As my passions relentlessly and with force * disturb me, I pray to you, * that you grant to my heart a sense of peace and calm. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Ἡ φωνὴ τοῦ λόγου.

The voice of the Word, the candlestick of the Light, ⁄ the morning star and Forerunner of the Sun, ⁄ cried in the wilderness to all the peoples: ⁄ Repent and be cleansed while there is yet time. ⁄ for look, Christ is at hand, delivering the world from corruption. [OCA]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Christ was begotten without change from God the Father, ⁄ and took flesh without defilement from the Virgin; ⁄ and as the Forerunner teaches, ⁄ it is not possible to loose the latchet of His shoes: ⁄ the bond that joins the Word to our nature. ⁄ He is the One who delivers the earth-born from error. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Christ was begotten without change from God the Father, ⁄ and took flesh without defilement from the Virgin; ⁄ and as the Forerunner teaches, ⁄ it is not possible to loose the latchet of His shoes: ⁄ the bond that joins the Word to our nature. ⁄ He is the One who delivers the earth-born from error. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Christ baptizes in the fire of the last Day ⁄ the disobedient who do not believe that He is God. ⁄ But to all who acknowledge His divinity ⁄ He grants a new birth through the Spirit ⁄ and by the grace that comes through water ⁄ He delivers them all from their faults. [OCA]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

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

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

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]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

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]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 2.

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 6: Short Litany

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 You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, 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. )

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

Kontakion. For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

Jordan, alarmed by your physical presence, in trembling receded. John, performing the spiritual service, in fear retreated. The orders of Angels were astonished, as they saw You in flesh being baptized in the river; and all who sat in darkness were shined on, and extolled You the One who appeared and illumined everything. [GKD]

Oikos.

To Adam who in Eden became blind, the Sun has in Bethlehem appeared, and it opened his eyes after washing them in the waters of the Jordan. To him who was blackened and darkened before, a light has arisen that never goes out. No longer is it night for him, but always day. For his sake the Daybreak has been born. For as it was written, he hid in the cool of the day; but he found the Dawn that raises him up who had fallen at evening. He is rid of the darkness and has reached the Morn, which appeared and illumined everything. [GKD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On January 7 is the Synaxis in honor of the holy and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John. Coinciding with this was the transfer of his all-precious and holy hand to Constantinople.

The holy new Hieromartyr Romanos of Lacedaemonia, from the town of Diminitzi, witnessed in Byzantium in the year 1695 and died by the sword.

We also commemorate the holy Neomartyr Athanasios, who was from Attaleia, but witnessed in Smyrna in the year 1700.

By the intercessions of Your Forerunner, O Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen.

Ode 7: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Δροσοβόλον μὲν τὴν κάμινον.

In the furnace the Lord’s Angel saved the pious men, * blowing through it a dew-laden breeze, * while Chaldean men were completely burned, at God’s command, * persuading the tyrant to confess * and cry aloud, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

As the sun beheld Your Passion, Lord, it mournfully * covered itself in a robe of gloom, * and it made its light go dark in the middle of the day. * As darkness was over all the earth, * it cried aloud, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.” [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Now the netherworld is decked with splendid light, O Christ, * as a result of Your descent. * And our progenitor was filled with gladness in his heart; * exulting he leaped in utter joy * and cry aloud, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.” [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Virgin Mother, through you splendid light has risen up * for the entire universe. * You have given birth to God who is the Maker of all. * All-pure Lady, earnestly entreat * that He send down the great mercy to us who believe in Him. [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Νέους εὐσεβεῖς.

The breath of the wind heavy with dew ⁄ and the descent of the angel of God ⁄ preserved the holy children from harm, as they walked in the fiery furnace. ⁄ Refreshed with dew in the flames, they sang in thanksgiving: ⁄ Blessed are You and praised above all, Lord God of our fathers! [OCA]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

With the trembling and wonder of heaven, ⁄ the angelic powers stood by the Jordan, ⁄ beholding God’s great condescension: ⁄ How He Who holds dominion over the waters above the firmament ⁄ stood in the waters in bodily form: ⁄ The God of our fathers! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The sea and cloud in which the people of Israel ⁄ once were baptized by the lawgiver Moses as they journeyed from Egypt, ⁄ prefigured the wonder of the Baptism of God! ⁄ The sea was an image of the water and the cloud an image of the Spirit ⁄ by which we are initiated and cry aloud: ⁄ Blessed are You, the God of our fathers! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Come, all faithful, let us speak of the things of God, ⁄ joining the angels in unending hymns ⁄ to glorify the God in Whom we have received initiation: ⁄ Father, Son and Holy Spirit, ⁄ the Trinity, consubstantial in Persons, yet one God to Whom we sing: ⁄ Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers! [OCA]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (The burning bush.)

Βάτος ἐν ὄρει.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Forerunner, after you performed the sacrament of Baptism, and accomplished the divine mysteries that were entrusted to you, you were offered like a guileless lamb in sacrifice sacramentally. Therefore we join you in unison singing: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O thrice-blessed Forerunner, you were like another Elias, for like him you displayed an immaterial way of life, and you publicly reproved kings with boldness when they transgressed. Therefore, O Prophet, we join you singing: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [SD]

Glory.

O thrice-blessed Forerunner, you were greatest of all the Prophets, and you inherited the divine honor of the Apostles of Christ; in this way you are clearly shown to be the fulfillment of the Law and the first-fruit of the new grace. Therefore, O Baptist, we join you singing: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Let us all, with utmost reverence, worthily extol with sacred hymns the all-pure Lady who hosted God; for she carried in her womb the Only-begotten Son of God, when He was to appear to us men. To Him we believers in unison are singing: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [SD]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 2.

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 8: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Ἐκ φλογὸς τοῖς Ὁσίοις.

From the flame You refreshed pious Servants as with dew * and with water consumed the righteous Prophet’s sacrifice. * You accomplish all, O Christ, simply by willing it. * We exalt You beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

It was envy that made Jewish people, who of old * killed their prophets, now kill You, their very God himself, * when they had You hung upon the Cross, O Logos of God. * We exalt You beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Without ever departing Your heavenly abode, * You went down into Hades and found humanity * lying in decay, and You raised it with yourself, O Christ. * We exalt You beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

You conceived God the Word, the Giver of light from light, * and ineffably bore Him and thus are glorified. * For the Holy Spirit of God truly dwells in you. * Therefore, we extol you, Virgin, unto all the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Μυστήριον παράδοξον.

The Babylonian furnace, as it poured forth dew, ⁄ foreshadowed a marvelous mystery: ⁄ That Jordan should receive immaterial fire in its streams, ⁄ and should encompass the Creator, when He was baptized in the flesh. ⁄ Peoples, bless and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Deliverer said to the Forerunner: ⁄ Cast aside all fear; draw near, obedient to My command, ⁄ for by nature I am good and love. ⁄ Yield to My ordinance and baptize Me, ⁄ for in condescension I come down, ⁄ Whom the peoples bless and exalt above all forever. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When the Baptist heard the Master’s words, ⁄ he stretched out his hand in trembling; ⁄ and as he touched the head of his Creator, ⁄ he cried aloud to Him who was baptized: ⁄ Sanctify me, for You are my God, ⁄ Whom the peoples bless and exalt above all forever. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

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]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Heeding the divine decree.)

Κάμινός ποτε.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O all-blessed John, who appeared on earth as a peer of the Angels in your unusual way of life, and who are superior to all other men, we joyfully honor you and we cry: O all you works, bless you the Lord. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Prophet, by the voice of the Father and the coming of the Spirit, you understood that He whom you baptized was the eternal Logos of God. And thus you became an initiate of the one essence of the Godhead in three consubstantial hypostases. [SD]

Glory.

O all-venerable John, you were born of a barren woman, and thus you were the noetic daybreak that preceded and made known the Sun that rose from a Virgin; and you preached the Lamb of God, who in His benevolence takes away the sin of the world. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-pure Virgin, you ineffably conceived the pre-eternal effulgence of the Father’s glory, the unoriginate Logos, who is understood to be in the beginning, and has now, born of you, become without change the First-born of creation. [SD]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 2.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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]

Kontakia and Synaxarion

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

Christ God, the Giver of Life, resurrected all who had ever died, from the dismal caverns, with His vivifying hand, and He granted resurrection to our mortal human nature. For He is the Savior of all, the resurrection and the life, and God of the universe. [GOASD]

Oikos.

O Giver of Life, we the faithful extol and venerate Your cross and burial; for You, O immortal, omnipotent God, overpowered and vanquished the netherworld. You crushed the gates of Hades, O God, and You destroyed the power of death. Now we, born on earth, with fervor sing praise to You who rose from the dead, destroyed the power of the murderous foe, resurrected everyone who believed in You, rescued the world from the sting of the serpent, and as the ultimate strong man freed us from the foe’s deception. From now on we solemnly sing the praises of Your resurrection, by which You saved us, as God of the universe. [GOASD]

Kontakion. For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

Jordan, alarmed by your physical presence, in trembling receded. John, performing the spiritual service, in fear retreated. The orders of Angels were astonished, as they saw You in flesh being baptized in the river; and all who sat in darkness were shined on, and extolled You the One who appeared and illumined everything. [GKD]

Oikos.

To Adam who in Eden became blind, the Sun has in Bethlehem appeared, and it opened his eyes after washing them in the waters of the Jordan. To him who was blackened and darkened before, a light has arisen that never goes out. No longer is it night for him, but always day. For his sake the Daybreak has been born. For as it was written, he hid in the cool of the day; but he found the Dawn that raises him up who had fallen at evening. He is rid of the darkness and has reached the Morn, which appeared and illumined everything. [GKD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On January 7 is the Synaxis in honor of the holy and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John. Coinciding with this was the transfer of his all-precious and holy hand to Constantinople.

The holy new Hieromartyr Romanos of Lacedaemonia, from the town of Diminitzi, witnessed in Byzantium in the year 1695 and died by the sword.

We also commemorate the holy Neomartyr Athanasios, who was from Attaleia, but witnessed in Smyrna in the year 1700.

By the intercessions of Your Forerunner, O Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Epiphany II

Ode i. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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]

Eothinon Gospel (EP / GOA)

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 John.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

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

PRIEST (from the altar table)

Eothinon Eothinon 9

John. 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and My God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name. [RSV]

( 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]

CHOIR

Psalm 50 (51).

Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)

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. And have mercy on me, O God. [SAAS]

Glory.

At the intercession of the Apostles, 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]

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

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy. [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, in whose honor we have congregated today; 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. )

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 9: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Θεὸν ἀνθρώποις.

It is impossible for God to be seen * by people; and angelic orders dare not to look at Him. * But the Word incarnate has been seen by mankind, through you, O all-pure Virgin. * Now magnifying Him, * joining the celestial hosts, all generations call you blest. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Word of God, You did not participate * in sinful passions when You met the passions, becoming flesh. * But You free from passions all humanity, Savior, for at Your Passion * You had become for us * sin and passion, only Lord almighty and impassible. [SD]