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Triodion - Holy Week

Good Friday

Service of the Twelve Passion Gospels on Thursday Evening

__________

Matins Ordinary

PRIEST

Blessed is our God always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

READER

Amen.

PRIEST

Glory to You, O God, glory to You.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, treasury of good things and giver of life: come; take Your abode in us; cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, O Good one.

READER

Amen.

Trisagion Prayers.

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.

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

PRIEST

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

READER

Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12)

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

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Psalm 19 (20).

May the Lord hear you in the day of afflictions; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you. May He send you help from His holy place, and may He support you from Zion. May He remember every sacrifice of yours, and may your whole burnt offering be honored. May He give you according to your heart, may He fulfill all your counsel. We will greatly rejoice in Your salvation, and in the name of our God we will be magnified. Now I know the Lord has saved His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven; the salvation of His right hand is mighty. Some glory in chariots, some in horses, but in the name of the Lord our God we shall be magnified. Their feet were tied together; so they fell; but we rose up and were restored. O Lord, save Your King, and hear us in the day we call upon You.

Psalm 20 (21).

O Lord, the king shall be glad in Your power, and in Your salvation he will greatly rejoice. You gave him his soul’s desire, and You did not deprive him of his lips’ request. For You anticipated him with blessings of goodness; You placed a crown of precious stones on his head. He asked You for life, and You gave it to him, length of days unto ages of ages. Great is his glory in Your salvation; glory and majesty You shall place upon him. For You shall give him blessing unto ages of ages; You shall fill him with the joy of Your presence. For the king hopes in the Lord, and in the mercy of the Most High he will not be shaken. May Your hand be found on all Your enemies; may Your right hand find all who hate You. You shall make them like a fiery furnace in the time of Your presence; the Lord shall throw them into confusion in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them. You shall destroy their offspring from the earth and their seed from among the sons of men. For they vented all their evils against You; they reasoned through a counsel they could not establish. For You shall make them turn their back; among Your remnants, You shall make ready their countenance. Be exalted, O Lord, in Your power; we will sing and praise Your mighty deeds.

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

Trisagion Prayers.

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.

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

PRIEST

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

READER

Amen.

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.

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

You who were lifted on the cross voluntarily, * O Christ our God, bestow Your tender compassions * upon Your new community to which You gave Your name. * Cause our faithful emperors to be glad in Your power, * granting them the victories against their adversaries. * And for an ally, Lord, may they have You, * peace as their armor, the trophy invincible.

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

O awesome and unshamable Protection, O good and praiseworthy Theotokos, do not despise our petitions; make firm the community of the Orthodox; save those whom you have called to rule; grant them victory from heaven, for you gave birth to God and are truly blessed.

PRIEST

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

For You are merciful and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen. In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

Glory to the holy and consubstantial and life-creating and undivided Trinity always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

Stand for the reading of the Six Psalms.

READER

The Six Psalms

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men. (3)

O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. (2)

Psalm 3.

O Lord, why do those who afflict me multiply? Many are those who rise up against me. Many are those who say to my soul, “There is no salvation for him in his God.” But You, O Lord, are my protector, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord, and save me, O my God, for You struck all those who were foolishly at enmity with me; You broke the teeth of sinners. Salvation is of the Lord, and Your blessing is upon Your people.

I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. [SAAS]

Psalm 37 (38).

O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your anger. For Your arrows are fixed in me, and Your hand rests on me; there is no healing in my flesh because of Your wrath; there is no peace in my bones because of my sins. For my transgressions rise up over my head; like a heavy burden they are heavy on me. My wounds grow foul and fester because of my folly. I suffer misery, and I am utterly bowed down; I go all the day long with a sad face. For my loins are filled with mockeries, and there is no healing in my flesh. I am afflicted and greatly humbled; I roar because of the groaning of my heart. O Lord, all my desire is before You, and my groaning is not hidden from You. My heart is troubled; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes, even this is not with me. My friends and neighbors draw near and stand against me, and my near of kin stand far off; and those who seek my soul use violence, and those who seek evil for me speak folly; and they meditate on deceit all the day long. But I like a deaf man do not hear, and I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. I am like a man who does not hear, and who has no reproofs in his mouth. For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God. For I said, “Let not my enemies rejoice over me, for when my foot was shaken, they boasted against me.” For I am ready for wounds, and my pain is continually with me. For I will declare my transgression, and I will be anxious about my sin. But my enemies live, and are become stronger than I; and those who hate me unjustly are multiplied; those who repaid me evil for good slandered me, because I pursue righteousness; and they threw away my love as though it were a stinking corpse. Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not depart from me; give heed to help me, O Lord of my salvation.

Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not depart from me. Give heed to help me, O Lord of my salvation. [SAAS]

Psalm 62 (63).

O God, my God, I rise early to be with You; my soul thirsts for You. How often my flesh thirsts for You in a desolate, impassable, and waterless land. So in the holy place I appear before You, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your mercy is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You in my life; I will lift up my hands in Your name. May my soul be filled, as if with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall sing praise to You with lips filled with rejoicing. If I remembered You on my bed, I meditated on You at daybreak; for You are my helper, and in the shelter of Your wings I will greatly rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand takes hold of me. But they seek for my soul in vain; they shall go into the lowest parts of the earth. They shall be given over to the edge of the sword; they shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall be glad in God; all who swear by Him shall be praised, for the mouth that speaks unrighteous things is stopped.

I meditated on You at daybreak. For You are my helper, and in the shelter of Your wings I will greatly rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand takes hold of me. [SAAS]

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

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

Lord, have mercy. (3)

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

Psalm 87 (88).

O Lord God of my salvation, I cry day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my supplication, O Lord. For my soul is filled with sorrows, and my soul draws near to Hades; I am counted among those who go down into the pit; I am like a helpless man, free among the dead, like slain men thrown down and sleeping in a grave, whom You remember no more, but they are removed from Your hand. They laid me in the lowest pit, in dark places and in the shadow of death. Your wrath rested upon me, and You brought all Your billows over me. You removed my acquaintances far from me; they made me an abomination among themselves; I was betrayed, and did not go forth. My eyes weakened from poverty; O Lord, I cry to You the whole day long; I spread out my hands to You. Will You work wonders for the dead? Or will physicians raise them up, and acknowledge You? Shall anyone in the grave describe Your mercy and Your truth in destruction? Shall Your wonders be known in darkness, and Your righteousness in a forgotten land? But I cry to You, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer shall come near to You. Why, O Lord, do You reject my soul, and turn away Your face from me? I am poor and in troubles from my youth; but having been exalted, I was humbled and brought into despair. Your fierce anger passed over me, and Your terrors greatly troubled me; they compassed me like water all the day long; they surrounded me at once. You removed far from me neighbor and friend, and my acquaintances because of my misery.

O Lord God of my salvation, I cry day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my supplication, O Lord. [SAAS]

Psalm 102 (103).

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and everything within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His rewards: who is merciful to all your transgressions, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from corruption, who crowns you with mercy and compassion, who satisfies your desire with good things; and your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord shows mercies and judgment to all who are wronged. He made known His ways to Moses, the things He willed to the sons of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not become angry to the end, nor will He be wrathful forever; He did not deal with us according to our sins, nor reward us according to our transgressions; for according to the height of heaven from earth, so the Lord reigns in mercy over those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so He removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him, for He knows how He formed us; He remembers we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, as a flower of the field, so he flourishes; for the wind passes through it, and it shall not remain; and it shall no longer know its place. But the mercy of the Lord is from age to age upon those who fear Him, and His righteousness upon children’s children, to such as keep His covenant and remember His commandments, to do them. The Lord prepared His throne in heaven, and His Kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, all you His angels, mighty in strength, who do His word, so as to hear the voice of His words. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, His ministers who do His will; bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion; bless the Lord, O my soul.

In all places of His dominion; Bless the Lord, O my soul. [SAAS]

Psalm 142 (143).

O Lord, hear my prayer; give ear to my supplication in Your truth; answer me in Your righteousness; do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for no one living shall become righteous in Your sight. For the enemy persecuted my soul; he humbled my life to the ground; he caused me to dwell in dark places as one long dead, and my spirit was in anguish within me; my heart was troubled within me. I remembered the days of old, and I meditated on all Your works; I meditated on the works of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a waterless land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit faints within me; turn not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning, for I hope in You; make me know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for to You I flee for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your good Spirit shall guide me in the land of uprightness. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, give me life; in Your righteousness You shall bring my soul out of affliction. In Your mercy You shall destroy my enemies; You shall utterly destroy all who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant.

Answer me in Your righteousness, O Lord. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant.

Answer me in Your righteousness, O Lord. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant.

Your good Spirit shall guide me in the land of uprightness. [SAAS]

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

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God.

(intoned)

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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.

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.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

Verse 1: My spirit rises early in the morning to You, O God, for Your commands are a light upon the earth. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 2: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 3: Jealousy will seize an untaught people; and now fire will devour the adversaries.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 4: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, bring more evils on them, on the glorious of the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Troparion. Mode pl. 4.

While the glorious Disciples were being illumined at the washing of the feet during the Supper, then, too, did Judas the ungodly one, succumb to darkness, being sick with avarice. And he delivered You, the righteous Judge, to lawless judges. Look here, O lover of money, and see the one who for money’s sake hanged himself. Flee from the greed that made him dare commit such a deed against the Teacher. O Lord benevolent to all, glory be to You. (3)

GOSPEL 1

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

(13:31–38)

The Lord said to his disciples, “Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified; if God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will not crow, till you have denied me three times.

(Chapter 14)

“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go hence.

(Chapter 15)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another. If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all this they will do to you on my account, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. It is to fulfill the word that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’ But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning.

(Chapter 16)

“I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you of them. I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. A little while, and you will see me no more; again a little while, and you will see me.” Some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” They said, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he means.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him; so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. “Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name. Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. I have said this to you in figures; the hour is coming when I shall no longer speak to you in figures but tell you plainly of the Father. In that day you will ask in my name; and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from the Father. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure! Now we know that you know all things, and need none to question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, every man to his home, and will leave me alone; yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

(Chapter 17)

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made. I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you did send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory which you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which you have given me in your love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you; and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

(18:1)

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

CHOIR

Antiphon 1. Mode pl. 4.

The rulers of the people gathered together, against the Lord and against His Anointed. [SD]

They testify a lawless word against me. Lord, O Lord, do not forsake me. [SD]

Let us present our senses pure to Christ, and as His friends, let us lay down our lives for Him. Let us not, like Judas, be choked by the cares of life; but in our rooms let us cry, “Our Father, who art in heaven, deliver us from evil.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Mary Theotokos, as a virgin You gave birth, and remained a virgin. O chaste and unwed Mother, pray to Christ our God to save us. [SD]

Antiphon 2. Mode pl. 2.

Judas ran to the Scribes, who transgressed the Law, and he said, “What will you give me if I deliver Him to you?” And as they negotiated the price, You, the object of negotiation, were invisibly standing in their midst. You who know our hearts, spare our souls. [SD]

Let us serve God with compassion, like Mary did at the supper; and let us not acquire a love for money, like Judas did, so that we may always be with Christ our God. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, never cease to implore our benevolent Lord, whom you inexplicably bore, to rescue from danger those who take refuge in you. [SD]

Antiphon 3. Mode 2.

The Hebrew children cried out, Hosanna to You, for raising Lazarus, O benevolent Lord. But Judas, the transgressor, did not wish to understand. [SD]

At Your supper, O Christ God, You predicted to Your Disciples, “One of you will betray Me.” But Judas, the transgressor, did not wish to understand. [SD]

John asked You, “Lord, who is it who will betray You?” And with the bread You showed him who it was. But Judas, the transgressor, did not wish to understand. [SD]

Jews sought to kill You, O Lord, with thirty pieces of silver and a deceitful kiss. But Judas, the transgressor, did not wish to understand. [SD]

At the washing of feet, O Christ God, You exhorted Your Disciples, “Do as you have seen.” But Judas, the transgressor, did not wish to understand. [SD]

“Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation,” You, our God, said to Your Disciples. But Judas, the transgressor, did not wish to understand. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Deliver us your humble servants from perils, O Theotokos, as for refuge, after God, we all flee to you, an impregnable fortress and protection. [SD]

Kathisma. Grave Mode.

During the Supper, when You were feeding the Disciples, knowing the pretext of the betrayal, You exposed Judas. And You knew that he was incorrigible, but You wanted everyone to know that it was Your will to surrender, so that You could snatch the world from the enemy. O Longsuffering Lord, glory to You! [SD]

GOSPEL 2

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

18:1–28

At that time, Jesus went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When he said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he; so, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word which he had spoken, “Of those whom you gave me I lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?” So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews seized Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas; for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had given counsel to the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. As this disciple was known to the high priest, he entered the court of the high priest along with Jesus, while Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the maid who kept the door, and brought Peter in. The maid who kept the door said to Peter, “Are not you also one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves; Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together; I have said nothing secretly. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me, what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “Are not you also one of his disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it; and at once the cock crowed. Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was early. They themselves did not enter the praetorium, so that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

CHOIR

Antiphon 4. Mode pl. 1.

Today, Judas forsakes the Teacher and takes to himself the Devil. He is blinded by the passion of avarice, and in his darkness he falls from the light. For, how could he see, who sold the guiding Light for thirty pieces of silver? But He who suffered for the world has risen for us. Let us cry out to Him, “O Lord, who suffered for and with humanity, glory to You!” [SD]

Today, Judas pretends godliness, and estranges himself from the gift of grace. Being a Disciple, he becomes a betrayer. Under a guise of friendship, he hides deceit. In his folly he prefers thirty pieces of silver to the Master’s love, and he becomes a guide for the council that transgressed the Law. But we have Christ as our salvation. Let us glorify Him. [SD]

Mode 1.

As brethren in Christ, let us have love for the brethren and not a lack of sympathy for our neighbors, so that we may not be condemned like that servant who was merciless regarding his money, and gain nothing from repentance, like Judas. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Glorious things were said everywhere concerning you; for you gave birth in the flesh to the Maker of all, O all-lauded Virgin Mary Theotokos. [SD]

Antiphon 5. Mode pl. 2.

The disciple negotiated the price of the Teacher, and he sold the Lord for thirty pieces of silver. With a deceitful kiss, he betrays Him to death at the hands of the lawless. [SD]

Today, the Creator of heaven and earth said to His Disciples, “The hour is at hand, and Judas, who betrayed Me, has arrived. Let no one deny Me, when you see Me on the Cross between two robbers; for I suffer as man, but as benevolent Lord I save those who believe in Me.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, who at the end of times ineffably conceived and bore your Creator, save those who magnify you. [SD]

Antiphon 6. Grave Mode.

Today, Judas is vigilant, waiting for his chance to betray the Lord, who is pre-eternal, the world’s only Savior, who satisfied with five loaves those thousands of people. Today, the lawless one rejects his Teacher. He betrayed the Master, whose disciple he once had been. He sold for thirty silver coins the One who filled the people with the manna. [SD]

Today, Jews had the Lord nailed to the Cross, the Lord who parted the sea with the rod and led them in the wilderness. Today, they had His side pierced with the spear, who for their sake had smitten Egypt with plagues. They gave Him gall to drink, who had rained down the manna for them to eat. [SD]

Lord, as You were approaching Your voluntary Passion, You said to Your Disciples, “If you cannot watch with Me, even for one hour, how can you promise to die for Me? Look at Judas: he is not asleep, but he is intent on betraying Me to the transgressors. Rise, and pray, lest anyone deny Me when he sees Me on the Cross.” O longsuffering Lord, glory to You! [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, O Theotokos! For you contained in your womb the One whom the heavens cannot contain. Rejoice, O Virgin, the proclamation of Prophets! Through you Emmanuel shone forth to us. Rejoice, O Mother of Christ our God! [SD]

Kathisma. Grave Mode.

What did the Savior do to you, Judas, that turned you into a traitor? Did He separate you from the company of the Apostles? Did He deprive you of the gift of healing? Did He eat the supper with the others but exclude you from the table? Did He wash the others’ feet but overlook yours? Oh, so many blessings you have forgotten! So now your ingratitude is held up to scorn, but His incomparable forbearance is everywhere proclaimed, as well as His great mercy. [SD]

GOSPEL 3

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

26:57–75

At that time, the soldiers seized Jesus and led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. But Peter followed him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes, and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spat in his face, and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a maid came up to him, and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” And when he went out to the porch, another maid saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the cock crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

CHOIR

Antiphon 7. Mode pl. 4.

As You permitted the transgressors to arrest You, Lord, You said to them, “Even though you struck the shepherd and scattered the sheep, namely My twelve Disciples, I could summon more than twelve legions of angels. But I forbear, so that the unknown and secret things that I showed you through My prophets may be fulfilled.” Glory to You, O Lord! [SD]

After Peter denied You three times, then he understood what You had said to him. But he brought to You tears of repentance. O God, have mercy on me and save me. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Let us all praise the holy Virgin, as the gateway to salvation; as a Paradise of delight; as a cloud of the everlasting light; and let us say to her, “Rejoice!” [SD]

Antiphon 8. Mode 2.

Tell us, O transgressors of the Law: what did you hear from our Savior? Did He not explain the Law and the teachings of the Prophets? So, what was your reason for delivering to Pilate God the Word from God, and the Redeemer of our souls? [SD]

“Let Him be crucified!” cried they who had always enjoyed Your gifts of grace; and they asked to receive a malefactor instead of You, the Benefactor, those slayers of the righteous. But You, O Christ, were silent, enduring their impudence, for You willed to suffer and to save us, O benevolent Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Since we have no right to speak because of our many sins, O Virgin Theotokos, implore Him who was born of you; for the prayer of a Mother can do much to win the Master’s favor. O Lady, do not despise the entreaties of us sinners; for He who condescended to suffer for us is merciful and able to save us. [SD]

Antiphon 9. Mode 3.

They weighed out the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel. Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Therefore, watch! [SD]

They gave me gall for my food, and they gave me vinegar for my drink. But You, O Lord, raise me up; and I will repay them. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

We, of the Gentiles, sing praise to you, O pure Theotokos; for you gave birth to Christ our God, who, through you freed mankind from the curse. [SD]

Kathisma. Mode pl. 4.

How could Judas, who was once Your Disciple, turn against You and meditate Your betrayal? Unrighteous traitor, he deceitfully sat at supper with You. He had gone to the priests, and said, “What will you give me, if to you I deliver Him who broke the Law and profaned the Sabbath?” O longsuffering Lord, glory to You! [SD]

GOSPEL 4

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

18:28–40; 19:1–16

At that time, they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was early. They themselves did not enter the praetorium, so that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man were not an evildoer, we would not have handed him over.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put any man to death.” This was to fulfill the word which Jesus had spoken to show by what death he was to die. Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.” Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again, and told them, “I find no crime in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover; will you have me release for you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; they came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again, and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you, that you may know that I find no crime in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he has made himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin.” Upon this Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar.” When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, and in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

CHOIR

Antiphon 10. Mode pl. 2.

He who covers himself with light as with a garment stood naked in judgment. He received blows to the cheeks from hands He had fashioned. And the unlawful people had the Lord of glory nailed to the Cross. Then the veil of the Temple was torn in two, and the sun hid itself, unable to watch this insult to God, before whom the universe trembles. Let us worship Him. [SD]

The disciple denied, but the robber exclaimed, “Remember me, O Lord, in Your kingdom.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Grant peace to the world, O benevolent Lord, who for Your servants’ sake accepted to wear flesh from the Virgin, so that with one voice we might glorify You. [SD]

Antiphon 11. Mode pl. 2.

For the good that You, O Christ, had done to them, the Hebrew race condemned You to be crucified, giving You vinegar mixed with gall to drink. But You, Lord, give them according to their works, for they did not understand Your condescension. [SD]

The Hebrews were not content that You were betrayed, O Christ; but they shook their heads, bringing scorn and mockery. But You, Lord, give them according to their works, for they meditated on vain things against You. [SD]

Neither the earth as it quaked, nor the rocks as they split; neither the veil of the Temple, nor the raising of the dead convinced the Jews. But You, Lord, give them according to their works, for they meditated on vain things against You. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin Theotokos, we know God, incarnate of you, the only pure and only blessed. Therefore we unceasingly praise and magnify you. [SD]

Antiphon 12. Mode pl. 4.

Thus says the Lord to the Jews, “O my people, what have I done to you, how have I upset you? I gave sight to your blind; I cleansed your lepers; I raised the man who lay paralyzed on his bed. O my people, what have I done to you, and how have you repaid me? Instead of manna, you fed Me gall; instead of water, you gave Me vinegar; instead of loving Me, you nailed Me to the Cross. So, I will no longer hold back, but I will call My Gentiles, and they will glorify Me and the Father and the Spirit; and I will grant them eternal life.” [SD]

Today, the veil of the Temple is torn in two, as a reproof to the transgressors. And the sun hides its rays, beholding the Master on the Cross. [SD]

O lawmakers of Israel, Jewish leaders, and Pharisees, the choir of Apostles calls out to you, “Behold, the Temple that you destroyed; behold, the Lamb that you crucified. You delivered Him to the grave, but He has risen by His own power. Do not deceive yourselves; for He is the One who saved you in the sea, and fed you in the desert. He is the Life, and the Light, and the Peace of the world.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, O gateway of the King of glory! Only the Most High passed through you, for the salvation of our souls, and again left you sealed. [SD]

Kathisma. Mode pl. 4.

When You, O God, stood before Caiaphas, and You, the Judge, were delivered to Pilate, the heavenly hosts were shaken with fear. Then You were lifted on the Cross between two robbers, and You, the sinless One, were numbered with the lawless, in order to save humanity. O forbearing Lord, glory to You! [SD]

GOSPEL 5

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

27:3–32

At that time, when Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.” So they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.” Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge; so that the governor wondered greatly. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much over him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the people to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified.” And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified.” So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the praetorium, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spat upon him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

CHOIR

Antiphon 13. Mode pl. 2.

The crowd of Jews demanded that Pilate have You crucified, O Lord. They found no crime in You. Nevertheless they released the convict, Barabbas, and they condemned You, the righteous One. And so they incurred the guilt for murder. But You, Lord, give them their due reward, for they meditated vain things against You. [SD]

Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God; before Him all things tremble and fear, and every tongue praises Him. And the priests slapped Him and gave Him gall. He accepted to suffer it all, wishing to save us from our lawlessness by His blood, in His benevolence. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, through a word you ineffably gave birth to the Word, your Creator. Implore Him to save our souls. [SD]

Antiphon 14. Mode pl. 4.

O Lord, though the Robber had defiled his hands with blood, yet You took him as a fellow traveler. We pray You to number us with him, for You are good and benevolent. [SD]

On the cross, the Robber let out a small voice, but he mustered great faith. In an instant he was saved. And he was first to open the gates of Paradise and to go in. O Lord, who accepted his repentance, glory to You! [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, O Maiden! Through an Angel you received the joy of the world! Rejoice, for you gave birth to your Creator and Lord! Rejoice, for you were counted worthy to become the Mother of Christ our God! [SD]

Antiphon 15.

The congregations kneels as the icon of the Crucifixion is processed. The priest intones the following troparion, then the Choirs sing it antiphonally, verse by verse.

PRIEST

Today, He who suspended the earth in the waters is suspended on a cross. (3) The King of the Angels wears a crown of thorns. He who wraps the sky in clouds is wrapped in a fake purple robe. He who freed Adam in the Jordan accepts to be slapped. The Bridegroom of the Church is fixed with nails to the cross. The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear. We worship Your Passion, O Christ. (3) Show us also Your glorious Resurrection.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 2.

Today, He who suspended the earth in the waters is suspended on a cross.

Today, He who suspended the earth in the waters is suspended on a cross.

Today, He who suspended the earth in the waters is suspended on a cross.

The King of the Angels wears a crown of thorns.

He who wraps the sky in clouds is wrapped in a fake purple robe.

He who freed Adam in the Jordan accepts to be slapped.

The Bridegroom of the Church is fixed with nails to the cross.

The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear.

We worship Your Passion, O Christ.

We worship Your Passion, O Christ.

We worship Your Passion, O Christ. Show us also Your glorious Resurrection.

Mode pl. 2.

We do not celebrate Passover like Jews do. For our Passover is Christ; He was sacrificed for us. So, let us purify ourselves of all defilement and sincerely pray to Him, “Arise, O Lord! Save us, in Your benevolence.” [SD]

Lord, Your Cross is life and resurrection for us Your people; and trusting in it we extol You, our God, who was crucified. Have mercy on us. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Seeing You hanging on the Cross, O Christ, Your Mother cried aloud, “What is this strange mystery that I see, my Son? How is it that You die, with Your body nailed to a cross, O Giver of life?” [SD]

Kathisma. Mode 4.

You ransomed us from the curse of the Law by Your precious Blood. You were nailed to the Cross, and You were pierced with a spear, and You gushed forth immortality for humanity. Our Savior, glory to You! [SD]

GOSPEL 6

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

15:16–32

At time, the soldiers led Jesus away inside the palace (that is, the praetorium); and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and they knelt down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. And they compelled a passer–by, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mingled with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour, when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled which says, “He was reckoned with the transgressors.” And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests mocked him to one another with the scribes, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

CHOIR

The Beatitudes. Mode 4.

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.

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

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Adam fell by a tree, and he was evicted from Paradise. * By the tree of the Cross the Robber gained entrance to Paradise. * The former, by tasting fruit, disobeyed his Maker’s commandment not to eat. * The latter was crucified with Him, whom though hidden he confessed to be God. * Remember us as well in Your kingdom, O Savior. [SD]

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

The transgressors of the Law from a disciple bought Him who made the Law. * As though a breaker of the Law they stood Him before Pilate’s judgment seat. * They shouted to crucify the One who gave them manna in the wilderness of old. * But we rather imitate the righteous Robber, crying aloud in faith and say, “Remember us as well in Your kingdom, O Savior.” [SD]

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

That swarm of murderers of God, that gathering of Jews who defied the Law, * in a frenzy cried aloud and demanded Pilate to crucify * Christ who was innocent. And instead they asked that Barabbas be released. * But we rather cry aloud the words of the grateful Robber to the Lord and say, “Remember us as well in Your kingdom, O Savior.” [SD]

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

O Christ, Your life-bearing side is a spring that like a river out of Eden flows, * and it waters Your Church, as an rational Paradise; * and from there it separates into the four Gospels as if as many heads. * It irrigates the world and it fills creation with joy, and it teaches the Gentiles * faithfully to adore and worship Your kingdom. [SD]

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

You were crucified for me to become the source of forgiveness for me. * You were pierced in the side so that streams of life would flow out to me. * With nails You were fastened, so that having seen the depth of Your Passion I confirm * the height of Your power, O Christ, and I cry to You, the Giver of Life, * “Glory to Your Cross and Your Passion, O Savior!” [SD]

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

When You were crucified, O Christ, all creation trembled on seeing it. * The foundations of the earth were quaking in fear of Your might, O Lord. * The sun and the stars above hid their light; the mountains were shuddering. * The rocks split; the Temple Veil was torn in two. And we with the Robber who believed * cry out to You and say, “Remember us, O Savior.” [SD]

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

You have set aside the bond which stood against us, shredding it by Your Cross. * When You were numbered with the dead, You disarmed and bound the tyrant ruling there, * delivering everyone from the bonds of death by Your resurrection; * through which we were illumined. O benevolent Lord, and we cry aloud to You, * “Remember us as well in Your kingdom, O Savior.” [SD]

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

You were lifted on the Cross and destroyed the power of death on us, * and You set aside the bond which stood against us and, as God, cancelled it. * Grant that we may also have the Robber’s repentance, O benevolent Lord. * We faithfully worship You, O Christ our God, and we cry aloud to You, * “Remember us as well in Your kingdom, O Savior.” [SD]

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

All believers, let us pray that we be of one mind and worthily * sing praises glorifying God, Father, Son, and Spirit, the Trinity, * united divinity, which exists forever in three hypostases, * remaining unconfused, simple, indivisible, unapproachable, * by whom we are delivered from the fire of perdition. [SD]

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

O Christ our God, we present, as an intercessor to pray for us, * Your Virgin Mother who conceived without seed and physically gave birth to You, * and after the childbirth remained incorrupt, O most merciful Lord. * She prays that You always grant forgiveness of offenses to those who cry aloud, * “Remember us as well in Your kingdom, O Savior.” [SD]

Prokeimenon. Mode 4.

They divided my garments among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots. (2)

O God, my God, hear me; why have You forsaken me?

They divided my garments among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots. [SAAS]

GOSPEL 7

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

27:33–54

At that time, when the soldiers came to a place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered Jesus wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.” Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split; the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, 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]

GOSPEL 8

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

23:32–49

At that time, two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with Jesus. And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, and said, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the multitudes who assembled to see the sight, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance and saw these things. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

CHOIR

The Canon

Ode v. Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.

Early in the morning, I rise to You, who emptied yourself without changing and submitted to the Passion impassibly, for the sake of fallen Adam, in Your tender mercy, O Logos of God. Grant me Your peace, O benevolent Lord. (2)

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Christ, Your servants had their feet washed and were purified by participation in Your divine mystery of Holy Communion. Afterwards they went up with You from Zion to the great Mount of Olives, extolling You, O benevolent Lord. (2)

Glory. Both now.

“My friends,” You said, Lord, “see that you are not alarmed. The hour is at hand for me to be taken and killed at the hands of sinners. All of you will be scattered, and you will leave me. But I will gather you, and you will proclaim me to be the benevolent God of all.” (2)

Katavasia.

Early in the morning, I rise to You, who emptied yourself without changing and submitted to the Passion impassibly, for the sake of fallen Adam, in Your tender mercy, O Logos of God. Grant me Your peace, O benevolent Lord. [SD]

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. )

PRIEST

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 ever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

From Triodion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 4.

Come, let us all extol Him who was crucified for us. Mary beheld Him on the Cross and she said, “Though You endure the Cross, You are my Son and my God.” [SD]

Oikos.

Seeing her own Lamb being led to the slaughter, Mary, the Ewe, was worn out, and she followed Him with the other women, and cried, “Where are You going, Child? Why are You going so fast? Maybe there is another wedding in Cana, and You are hurrying now to make wine out of water for them? Shall I come with You, Child, and stay with You? Say something to me, O Word, who preserved my chastity. Please do not pass by me in silence. You are my Son and my God.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On May 3 we commemorate the holy Martyrs Timothy and Maura.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyrs Diodorus and Rhodopian the deacon.

On this day we commemorate our righteous Father Peter the Wonderworker, Bishop of Argos.

The twenty-seven holy Martyrs died by fire.

We also commemorate the holy glorious Great-martyr Xenia the Wonderworker.

From the Triodion.

On this day, Holy and Great Friday, we celebrate the awesome, holy, and saving Passion of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ: the spitting, the blows, the buffeting, the mockery, the reviling, the purple robe, the reed, the sponge, the vinegar, the nails, the spear, and above all, the Cross and Death which He condescended to endure willingly for our sakes. Also the saving confession on the cross of the grateful Robber who was crucified with Him.

Verses for the Crucifixion

Even dead on the Cross, You as God are living,

O naked corpse and living God’s Logos.

For the grateful Robber

The Robber opened the locked gates of Eden

Using the key of his “Remember me” confession.

By Your enormous and all-infinite compassion for us, O Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen.

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos.

The godly Servants ridiculed the monument of ungodly wickedness. But the unlawful council rages now and meditates on vain things, against the Lord’s Anointed, and plots to put to death the One who holds life in His hand. All creation blesses Him and glorifies Him unto the ages. (2)

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

“Shake off the sleep now from your eyelids,” You said to the Disciples, O Christ. “Stay awake, watch and pray that you may not fall into temptation, especially Simon. For the strong are tested harder. Know me, O Peter, that all creation blesses Me and glorifies Me unto the ages.” [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

“Never,” said Peter, “will I let any profane word slip from my lips, O Lord. As one grateful I am ready to die with You, even if the others all deny You. It was not flesh and blood but Your Father who revealed You to me. All creation blesses You and glorifies You unto the ages.” [SD]

Glory.

“You have not fathomed all the depth of divine wisdom and knowledge, nor comprehended the abyss of My judgments, O man,” the Lord said to Peter. “Since you are flesh, do not boast; for you will three times deny Me, * Whom all creation blesses and glorifies unto the ages.” [SD]

Both now.

“Simon, you protest; but you will soon accept what I have said. When the servant-girl approaches, she in no time will frighten you,” the Lord said to Peter. “But after bitter weeping, you will find Me very merciful; Whom all creation blesses and glorifies unto the ages.” [SD]

Katavasia.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

The godly Servants ridiculed the monument of ungodly wickedness. But the unlawful council rages now and meditates on vain things, against the Lord’s Anointed, and plots to put to death the One who holds life in His hand. All creation blesses Him and glorifies Him unto the ages. [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

Ode ix. Heirmos.

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. (2)

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The violent band of soldiers who hated God with the assembly of evildoers, murderers of God, came upon You, Christ, and dragged You off as a culprit, the Maker of all things. You do we magnify. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The impious, ignorant of the Law, who studied the sayings of the Prophets to no avail, led You as a lamb to be slaughtered unjustly, the Master over all things. You do we magnify. [SD]

Glory.

The priests, and together with them the scribes, smitten with jealousy and malice, delivered up Christ, who is by nature the Life and the Life-giver, to the Gentiles to destroy Him; Whom we magnify. [SD]

Both now.

O King, they surrounded You like many dogs. They struck You and slapped You in the face, and they questioned You. Furthermore they bore false witness against You. You patiently endured it, and thus You saved us all. [SD]

Katavasia.

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

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. )

PRIEST

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

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Exaposteilaria.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 3. Automelon.

Τὸν Λῃστὴν αὐθημερόν.

On the very same day, O Lord, You granted the Robber Paradise. * And as for me, by the tree of the Cross, illumine me and save me. (3) [SD]

GOSPEL 9

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

19:25–37

At that time, standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the scripture), “I thirst.” A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness — his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth — that you also may believe. For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, “Not a bone of him shall be broken.” And again another scripture says, “They shall look on him whom they have pierced.” [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

Lauds. Mode 3.

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]

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

Israel, my first-born son, committed two evils: he forsook Me, the fountain of living water, and he hewed for himself a broken cistern. He had Me crucified onto a cross, and demanded Barabbas instead and had him released. Heaven was amazed at this, and the sun hid its rays. You, O Israel, were not ashamed, on the contrary you delivered Me to death. O holy Father, forgive them, for they know not what they have done. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

Israel, my first-born son, committed two evils: he forsook Me, the fountain of living water, and he hewed for himself a broken cistern. He had Me crucified onto a cross, and demanded Barabbas instead and had him released. Heaven was amazed at this, and the sun hid its rays. You, O Israel, were not ashamed, on the contrary you delivered Me to death. O holy Father, forgive them, for they know not what they have done. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

Every member of Your holy body endured dishonor for us. Your head endured the thorns. Your face was spat on. Your cheeks received the blows. Your mouth tasted vinegar mingled with gall. Your ears heard impious blasphemies. Your back received the scourging. Your hand held the reed. Your entire body was stretched on the Cross. Your joints were pierced by the nails, and Your side, by the spear. O almighty Savior, who endured Your Passion for us and freed us from the passions, who in Your benevolence condescended to us and then exalted us, have mercy on us. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

All creation trembled when it saw You crucified, O Christ. The foundations of the earth quaked from fear of Your power. When You were lifted on the Cross today, the Hebrew race perished, the Temple Veil was rent in two; tombs were opened, and the dead resurrected from their graves. The centurion shuddered when he saw the miracle. Your Mother, who was standing there, cried a maternal lamentation: “How can I not mourn and beat my breasts, seeing You hanging on a cross, naked, as though a criminal?” O Lord, who were crucified and buried, and who rose from the dead, glory to You! [SD]

Glory.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

They stripped Me of My clothing, and put a purple cloak on Me. On My head they laid a crown of thorns, and in My right hand they put a reed, so that I might shatter them like a potter’s vessels. [SD]

Both now.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

I gave My back to whips, and My cheeks to blows; and I turned not away My face from the shame of spitting. I stood before the judgment seat of Pilate, and I endured the Cross, for the salvation of the world. [SD]

GOSPEL 10

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

15:43–47

At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

To you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

READER

Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the 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 of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Every day I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the ages of ages. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; 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. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this day we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your commandments. Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs a hymn, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next.

PRIEST (aloud)

For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

GOSPEL 11

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST

19:38–42

At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to him by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds’ weight. They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to Your forbearance, O Lord, glory to You.

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Aposticha.

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

All creation was altered in awe, as it saw You hanging on a cross, O Christ. The sun went dark, and the foundations of the earth shook. All things suffered with You who created all things. O Lord, who willingly endured it for us, glory to You! [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

Verse: They divided my garments among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots. [SAAS]

Why do the impious and unlawful people meditate on vain things? Why did they condemn to death the One who is the life of all? Great is the marvel! The Creator of the world is delivered into the hands of lawless men, the benevolent Savior is lifted up on a cross, in order to free the prisoners in Hades, who cry to Him, “Long-suffering Lord, glory to You!” [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

Verse: They gave me gall for my food, and they gave me vinegar for my drink. [SAAS]

The blameless Virgin was watching as You were suspended on the Cross today, O Word of God. She lamented with motherly emotions, and it cruelly broke her heart. She sighed with pain from the depths of her soul, tearing at her face and her hair, and it wore her out. Then, beating her breasts, she mournfully cried aloud, “Woe is me, my divine Child! Alas, the Light of the world! Why did you sink from before my eyes, O Lamb of God?” Then the hosts of bodiless Angels were overcome by trembling and they said, “Incomprehensible Lord, glory to You!” [SD]