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Pentecostarion

Sunday After Pascha (Thomas Sunday)

Menaion - May 12

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MATINS

CHOIR

Grave Mode.

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

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

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

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

Apolytikion of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Grave Mode.

The tomb being sealed, You rose from the sepulcher, O Christ God, the Life. And the doors being shut, You came to the disciples, O resurrection of all. Through them You renew a right spirit within us, according to Your great mercy. (3) [GOASD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

For fear of the Jews, the Disciples were in hiding,* having congregated in Zion. You came to them, O Good One,* the doors being shut, and You stood * among them, and You caused them to rejoice.* And You showed them the wounds on Your hands* and immaculate side, saying* unto the disbelieving Disciple,* “Put out your hand and examine Me,* for it is I, who for you became passible.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

For fear of the Jews, the Disciples were in hiding,* having congregated in Zion. You came to them, O Good One,* the doors being shut, and You stood * among them, and You caused them to rejoice.* And You showed them the wounds on Your hands* and immaculate side, saying* unto the disbelieving Disciple,* “Put out your hand and examine Me,* for it is I, who for you became passible.” [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

The doors were shut and locked. You appeared to Your hiding * Disciples, as the Life, O my Christ, and You showed them * Your wounded side and hands and feet, * thus confirming Your resurrection* from the sepulcher. However Thomas was absent; * hence he said to them, “If I myself do not see Him, * I will not believe your words.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

The doors were shut and locked. You appeared to Your hiding * Disciples, as the Life, O my Christ, and You showed them * Your wounded side and hands and feet, * thus confirming Your resurrection* from the sepulcher. However Thomas was absent; * hence he said to them, “If I myself do not see Him, * I will not believe your words.” [SD]

Kathisma III.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

“Since You have seen my side and the punctures the nails made, * no longer disbelieve in My rising, O Thomas,” * the Lord said when He appeared to His Disciples ineffably, * after He had risen from the tomb on the third day. * Then the Twin believed and cried aloud to the Creator, * “My Lord and my God are You.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

“Since You have seen my side and the punctures the nails made, * no longer disbelieve in My rising, O Thomas,” * the Lord said when He appeared to His Disciples ineffably, * after He had risen from the tomb on the third day. * Then the Twin believed and cried aloud to the Creator, * “My Lord and my God are You.” [SD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Antiphon 1.

Mode 4.

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

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

Glory.

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

Both now.

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

Prokeimenon. Psalm 147.

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. (2)

Verse: For He strengthens the bars of your gates; He blesses your children within you.

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. [SAAS]

Eothinon Gospel (Not EP / GOA)

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Mode 2.

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

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the altar table)

Eothinon 1

Mt. 28:16 – 20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen.” [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

READER

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

CHOIR

Psalm 50 (51).

Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)

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

Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me.

Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged.

For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me.

Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom.

You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow.

You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice.

Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit.

I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness.

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

For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings.

A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.

Then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings.

Then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. And have mercy on me, O God. [SAAS]

Glory.

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

Both now.

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

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

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy. [SD]

PRIEST

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

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

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Ode 1: Pentecostarion: Canon-1

CHOIR

Canon for the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode i. Mode 1. Heirmos.

ᾌσωμεν πάντες λαοί.

All people, sing to the Lord – * who from their bitter bondage * to the Pharaoh freed the people of Israel * and led them through the Red Sea * and kept their feet from being splashed by it – * a victory song, for He is greatly glorified. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Now is the springtime of souls, * for from His bleak entombment, * like the sun has Christ shone forth ere the third day dawned * and banished into exile * the gloomy winter of our days of sin. * Sing praises to our risen King, * for He is glorified. [TC]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Now is the springtime of souls, * for from His bleak entombment, * like the sun has Christ shone forth ere the third day dawned * and banished into exile * the gloomy winter of our days of sin. * Sing praises to our risen King, * for He is glorified. [TC]

Glory.

Queen of the seasons is she, * the radiant attendant * of that Day of dazzling splendor, yea the Queen of Days; * the Paschaltide rejoices * the chosen people, the exultant Church; * unceasingly she praises * the risen victor Christ. [TC]

Both now.

Neither the gatehouse of death, * nor yet the tomb’s confinement, * nor the doors securely barred withstood Your might, O Christ; * but, risen, You appeared there * amidst your friends, bestowing peace on them: * that peace of God that passes * all understanding of men. [TC]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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

Ode 3: Pentecostarion: Canon-1

Canon for the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode iii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Στερέωσόν με Χριστέ.

Establish me, O my Christ, * on the unshakable rock of Your commandments, * and with the light of Your face, Lord, illumine me. * No one is holy but You who are benevolent. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

No longer old but now new, * no more corruptible, graced now with incorruption * You rendered us by Your Passion and Cross, O Christ, * commanding we worthily walk now in newness of life. [TC]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

No longer old but now new, * no more corruptible, graced now with incorruption * You rendered us by Your Passion and Cross, O Christ, * commanding we worthily walk now in newness of life. [TC]

Glory.

Imprisoned fast in a tomb, * a man of circumscribed body, the God Uncircumscribed, * O Christ, You rose, and You stood, though the doors were shut * amidst Your disciples, Messiah All-Powerful. [TC]

Both now.

Your wounds, longsuffering Christ, * to which You freely submitted for our salvation, * You kept intact, and You showed your disciples there * as proof of Your awesome and glorious rising forth. [TC]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are our 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.

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

From Pentecostarion - - -

READER

Hypakoe. Mode pl. 2.

As You came and stood among Your disciples, O Savior, and gave them peace, come and be with us also and save us. [SD]

Ode 4: Pentecostarion: Canon-1

From Pentecostarion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Feast.

Ode iv. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Μέγα τὸ μυστήριον.

God-inspired Habakkuk of old foresaw a great mystery, * namely Your plan for our salvation, and he cried out to You, O Christ, * “You went forth for the salvation of Your people, O benevolent Lord.” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Then He tasted gall and healed our tasting of the tree of knowledge; * now, as He partakes of the sweetness of honeycomb before His friends, * to Adam He gives in turn * a sweeter grace: to partake of His deity. [TC]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You delight, O Friend of Man, in being studied and examined; * hence You urge your doubting disciple with doubting hand to probe Your side * and prove thus to all the world * that You arose in the flesh indisputably. [TC]

Glory.

Lo the riches Thomas drew from that unplundered store of treasure -- * yea Your lance-pierced side, Benefactor, that fount of pure theology; * with wisdom and knowledge now * a faithful Didymus fills the entire earth. [TC]

Both now.

Your all-blessed tongue, O Thomas, is the subject of our anthem: * for of mortal tongues it was first to proclaim and herald piously * that Jesus is God and Lord * -- for when you touched Him, He filled you with grace divine. [TC]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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

Ode 5: Pentecostarion: Canon-1

Canon for the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode v. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ἐκ νυκτὸς ὀρθρίζοντες ὑμνοῦμέν σε.

Rising from the night, we sing extolling You, O Christ, * the Father’s coeternal Son * and the Savior of our souls, O Lord. * Grant Your peace to the world, in Your divine benevolence. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Standing in the midst of His till now disheartened friends, * the Savior by His presence there * drives their sad dejection far away: * they exultantly jubilate, hailing the risen Christ. [TC]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Standing in the midst of His till now disheartened friends, * the Savior by His presence there * drives their sad dejection far away: * they exultantly jubilate, hailing the risen Christ. [TC]

Glory.

O how truly laudable, how truly full of dread * the exploit Thomas took in hand: * for he boldly touched with mortal hand, * mid a cloud thick with thunders and lightnings, the side of God. [TC]

Both now.

Unbelief was made for us the mother of belief, * for You, good Christ, arrange all things * by Your wisdom advantageously -- * yea, beneficent Master, for You are the friend of man. [TC]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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

Ode 6: Pentecostarion: Canon-1

Canon for the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode vi. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Τὸν Προφήτην διέσωσας.

As You rescued the Prophet from the belly of the whale of old, * I pray bring me up from the sea of my sins, O benevolent Lord. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You abandoned not Didymus * as he floundered in doubt’s abyss, * but swiftly You reached out with both hands * that he might examine them. [TC]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You abandoned not Didymus * as he floundered in doubt’s abyss, * but swiftly You reached out with both hands * that he might examine them. [TC]

Glory.

Then our Savior instructed them, * “Touch and see for yourselves, my friends, * that I am still clothed in the body: * no, I have not changed at all.” [TC]

Both now.

Thomas handled Your side, O Lord, * and, believing, he recognized * his God and his Lord there before him, * when You had come back for him. [TC]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For 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.

CHOIR: Amen.

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

READER

Kontakion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

With his scrutinizing right hand, Thomas examined Your life-bestowing side, O Christ God. When You entered while the doors were shut, he cried out to You with the rest of the Apostles, “You are my Lord and my God.” [SD]

Oikos.

Who kept the Disciple’s hand from being burnt up, when it approached the fiery side of the Lord? Who gave it the daring, and it was able to touch the flaming bone? By all means, it was the very side that was touched. For had not the side empowered the right hand of clay, how could it have touched the wounds that shook the world above and below? This grace was given to Thomas, to be able to touch it and to cry out to Christ, “You are my Lord and my God.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On May 12 we commemorate our Father among the Saints Epiphanios, Bishop of Constantia in Cyprus.

On this day we also commemorate our Father among the Saints Germanus, Archbishop of Constantinople.

Our devout Father Theodore of Kythera (919-948) reposed in peace .

On this day the holy Neo-martyr John Vlachos, who witnessed in Constantinople, died by hanging.

From the Pentecostarion.

On this day, the second Sunday of Pascha, we celebrate the dedication of Christ’s Resurrection, and St. Thomas’ handling of the Lord’s body.

Verses

Locks of neither womb nor tomb impede You.

So how should door locks impede Your entry, O Savior?

By the intercessions of Thomas Your Apostle, O Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Ode 7: Pentecostarion: Canon-1

From Pentecostarion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Feast.

Ode vii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Εἰκόνι λατρεύειν.

The sound of the music called the peoples to worship the golden image of old. * The Servants, scions of David, sang * a song of Zion in defiance of the despicable decree of the tyrant, * and the flame in the furnace became for them dewy, as they sang the hymn, * “Exalted beyond measure are You, O God of our fathers. Blessed are You, our God!” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Today is the foremost -- yea the Mistress -- of feast days, * in splendor fitly arrayed; * today rejoicing and merriment * well befit the people of God; * for this, the Eighth of Days, * bears eternity’s image, * being figure and type of the age to come. * Brethren, let us cry to Him, * “God exalted over all, * You, our fathers’ God and ours, for evermore are blessed.” [TC]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Alone in his boldness, in his faithless believing * our benefactor and friend, * the daring Didymus dissipates * error’s gloomy ignorance quite * for all the ends of earth * by his trusting suspicion; * for himself, though, he weaves a celestial crown, * saying, “Jesus, You are Lord, * God exalted over all; * You, our fathers’ God and ours for evermore are blessed.” [TC]

Glory.

Not idly did Thomas disbelieve Your arising, * nor did he fruitlessly doubt, * but boldly strove to substantiate * this incontrovertible truth * for every tribe on earth; * thus by doubting he proved Your Resurrection and taught all the world to cry, * singing, “Jesus, You are Lord, * God exalted over all; * You, our fathers’ God and ours, for evermore are blessed.” [TC]

Both now.

When fearfully Thomas put his hand in Your awesome * and wondrous life-bringing side, * with trembling hand he perceived in You * both Your operations, O Christ, * two natures, God and man, * unconfused yet united; * and believing with fervor he cried aloud, * saying, “Jesus, You are Lord, * God exalted over all; * You, our fathers’ God and ours, for evermore are blessed.” [TC]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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

Ode 8: Pentecostarion: Canon-1

Canon for the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode viii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐν φλογὶ πυρός.

Let us extol the Lord, who went down to the Servants * inside the fiery furnace, * in the form of an Angel, and guarded them from the flames; and let us sing to Him * and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

And longing to behold Your most gladdening visage, * at first bold Didymus doubted, * but counted worthy, Master, in wonder to behold You, he called You God and Lord, * Whom above all others we glorify forever. [TC]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

And longing to behold Your most gladdening visage, * at first bold Didymus doubted, * but counted worthy, Master, in wonder to behold You, he called You God and Lord, * Whom above all others we glorify forever. [TC]

Glory.

The One Who tolerated the doubt and suspicion * and showed His side pierced and wounded * and by the hand of Didymus deigned to be examined, you servants, praise as Lord, * and above all others exalt Him to the ages. [TC]

Both now.

Your curiosity has uncovered for mortals * a hidden treasure, good Thomas, * for lo with tongue inspired you proclaimed Him God and cried, “All you peoples, praise the Christ, * and above all others exalt Him to the ages.” [TC]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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

Kontakia and Synaxarion

READER

Kontakion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

With his scrutinizing right hand, Thomas examined Your life-bestowing side, O Christ God. When You entered while the doors were shut, he cried out to You with the rest of the Apostles, “You are my Lord and my God.” [SD]

Oikos.

Who kept the Disciple’s hand from being burnt up, when it approached the fiery side of the Lord? Who gave it the daring, and it was able to touch the flaming bone? By all means, it was the very side that was touched. For had not the side empowered the right hand of clay, how could it have touched the wounds that shook the world above and below? This grace was given to Thomas, to be able to touch it and to cry out to Christ, “You are my Lord and my God.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On May 12 we commemorate our Father among the Saints Epiphanios, Bishop of Constantia in Cyprus.

On this day we also commemorate our Father among the Saints Germanus, Archbishop of Constantinople.

Our devout Father Theodore of Kythera (919-948) reposed in peace .

On this day the holy Neo-martyr John Vlachos, who witnessed in Constantinople, died by hanging.

From the Pentecostarion.

On this day, the second Sunday of Pascha, we celebrate the dedication of Christ’s Resurrection, and St. Thomas’ handling of the Lord’s body.

Verses

Locks of neither womb nor tomb impede You.

So how should door locks impede Your entry, O Savior?

By the intercessions of Thomas Your Apostle, O Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Pascha

Ode i. Mode 1.

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

Ode iii.

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

Ode iv.

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

Ode v.

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

Ode vi.

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

Ode vii.

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

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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

Eothinon Gospel (EP / GOA)

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Mode 2.

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

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the altar table)

Eothinon 1

Mt. 28:16 – 20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen.” [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

READER

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

CHOIR

Psalm 50 (51).

Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)

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

Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me.

Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged.

For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me.

Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom.

You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow.

You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice.

Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit.

I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness.

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

For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings.

A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.

Then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings.

Then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. And have mercy on me, O God. [SAAS]

Glory.

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

Both now.

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

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

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy. [SD]

PRIEST

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

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

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode 9: Pentecostarion: Canon-1

Canon for the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode ix. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Σὲ τὴν φαεινήν.

Mother of our God, we praise you * as the brightly shining lamp, * the illustrious glory * of all creation, of which you are the highest. * With sacred hymns we magnify you. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

This is now Your brightly shining and most splendid day, O Christ, * the grace that is full of light; * on this day You appeared to Your Disciples * very handsome, and we magnify it. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

This is now Your brightly shining and most splendid day, O Christ, * the grace that is full of light; * on this day You appeared to Your Disciples * very handsome, and we magnify it. [SD]

Glory.

You allowed a hand of flesh to touch Your side, and scorched it not * with the fire immaterial of divine essence. * We sing Your praise and magnify You. [SD]

Both now.

You arose from the grave as God, O Christ.* We have not seen it with our eyes, but we believe it in our hearts with love and longing.* We sing Your praise and magnify You. [SD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Mode 2.

Holy is the Lord our God. (2) [SAAS]

Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet.

For He is holy.

Exaposteilarion. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

When you examine fully * My body’s wounds with your own hand, * Thomas, be not disbelieving * in Me who suffered wounds for you. * With the Disciple have one mind * and proclaim Me the living God. (2)

Another.

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Today it smells like springtime, * and new creation is dancing. * Today the locks are removed * from the doors and the disbelief * of Thomas the friend who cries out, * “You are my Lord and my God.” [SD]

Lauds. Mode 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stichera for the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 1. O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

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

O Giver-of-Life, You did not break * the seals that secured Your tomb. * And likewise after Your awesome rising from the sepulcher, * You unhindered entered * the room where Your glorious * Apostles were, the doors being shut, O Christ, and caused them to rejoice. * And You granted them Your governing* Holy Spirit,* for mercy immeasurable. [SD]

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

O Giver-of-Life, You did not break * the seals that secured Your tomb. * And likewise after Your awesome rising from the sepulcher, * You unhindered entered * the room where Your glorious * Apostles were, the doors being shut, O Christ, and caused them to rejoice. * And You granted them Your governing* Holy Spirit,* for mercy immeasurable. [SD]

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

Thomas, who was also called the Twin, * was not there when You appeared * to the Disciples, O Lord, and therefore he did not believe * that You resurrected. * Thus emphatically he cried* aloud to those who saw You, “Unless I put my finger in His side * and the wounds created by the nails, * I will not believe that He indeed arose.” [SD]

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

“O Thomas, according to your wish, * handle Me,” said Christ to him. * “Put out your hand, and be cognizant that I have flesh and bones, * and an earthen body. * Be not one who disbelieves. * But rather with the others be confident.” And he in turn cried out, * “You, O Jesus, are my Lord and God, * and my Savior. * Glory to Your resurrection.” [SD]

Glory. Both now.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

Eight days after Your Resurrection, O King Jesus, only-begotten Logos of the Father, You came and stood among Your Disciples, the doors being shut, and You gave them Your peace. Then, to the disbelieving Disciple, You showed the marks of the nails, and You said to him, “Come, touch my hands, take a look at my feet, place your hand in my uncontaminated side.” Then he believed it and cried out to You, “My Lord and my God, glory to You!” [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

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

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

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

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

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

Apolytikion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Grave Mode.

The tomb being sealed, You rose from the sepulcher, O Christ God, the Life. And the doors being shut, You came to the disciples, O resurrection of all. Through them You renew a right spirit within us, according to Your great mercy. [GOASD]

Litanies, End, no Dismissal

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

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.

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.

PRIEST: Wisdom.

READER: Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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.

Litanies and Dismissal

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

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.

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.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

( Father, bless! )

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

CHOIR

Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

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.

Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

Conclusion, i.e. “Through the prayers…”

According to the Patriarchal Hemerologion:

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.

CHOIR

Amen.

or:

According to common practice:

PRIEST

Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

PEOPLE

Truly the Lord is risen!