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Pentecostarion

Tuesday of the Third Week

Menaion - May 21

Memory of Sts. Constantine and Helen

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 2.

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

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

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

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

Apolytikion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2.

When You descended unto Death, O Lord, You who are immortal Life put Hades to death, by the lightning of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the hosts of heaven sang aloud to You, “O Christ God, Giver of life, glory to You!” [GOASD]

Glory. For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Your Apostle among the Rulers, St. Constantine, who once beheld in the sky the image of Your Cross, and who like Paul received his calling not from man, once entrusted the Ruling City into Your hand. We entreat You to restore it in peace forever, at the intercession of the Theotokos, O only benevolent Lord. [SD]

Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2.

The Angel who had come to the sepulcher said to the Myrrh-bearing women, “Ointments are appropriate for mortal men; but Christ is indeed a stranger to decay. Now go proclaim that the Lord has risen and granted to the world the great mercy.” [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 Menaion - - -

Mode 3. Your confession.

Θείας πίστεως.

You became a new David in manner. * You received the oil of the kingdom, * as an honor from heaven, upon your head. * The Lord and Logos transcending all essences * anointed you with the Spirit, O glorious one. * Therefore you received the scepter to rule, as one most wise. * And you entreat that we obtain the great mercy. [SD]

From Pentecostarion - - -

Glory. Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

Mode 2. In seeking the heights.

Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν.

The Women with zeal brought spices to Your sepulcher. * Their souls leapt for joy beholding the Angel’s dazzling light. * And they boldly proclaimed You the King of all; * and said to the Disciples, * “Truly the Life of all has risen from the grave.” [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

The Maker of the sun and all creation was led once to the Cross. And now to himself He leads you, the shining star, by stars from heaven. And to you first He bestowed imperial power. Therefore, O most pious emperor Constantine, we extol you and your mother Helen the godly-minded. [SD]

From Pentecostarion - - -

Glory. Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

Mode 2.

The women came with ointments very early in the morning, and they saw that the tomb was empty. Then they went and told the Apostles, “The Mighty One has overpowered corruption, and He has rescued those who were bound in Hades. Proclaim it openly, that Christ God has risen, granting us His great mercy.” [SD]

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Your dignified memory has shone upon us today. * It brightens the universe with light of knowledge divine, * O God-inspired Constantine. * You among kings and rulers showed yourself to be pious, * for you obeyed the laws of the King of the heavens. * Therefore by your entreaties, from trials deliver us. [SD]

From Pentecostarion - - -

Glory. Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

Mode 2. (not metered)

The devout Myrrh-bearing Women came to Your tomb, O Savior, intent on anointing You the Master with spices as if You were mortal. But an Angel declared the joy to them: “The Lord has risen. So, announce to the Apostles His truly terrific resurrection from the sepulcher.” [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

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. Psalms 88, 44.

I raised up a chosen one from My people. I found David My servant; I anointed him with My holy oil. (2)

Verse: Therefore God, Your God, anointed You.

I raised up a chosen one from My people. I found David My servant; I anointed him with My holy oil. [SAAS]

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 John.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the gate)

Jn. 10:9 – 16

The Lord said, “I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.” [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]

READER (read)

Psalm 50 (51).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Glory. Mode 2.

At the intercession of the God-crowned rulers, 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]

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

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

The memorial of Constantine the pious, like perfume that is poured out, has arisen today. He longed for Christ and therefore held the idols in contempt. On earth he erected a temple to the One who was crucified for us; while in heaven he received the crown of hope. [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, glorious, great, God-crowned Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, the Equals to the Apostles, whose memory we are celebrating; 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.

CHOIR

The Canon

Ode i.

Canon for the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὴν Μωσέως ᾠδήν.

O my soul, taking up the ode of Moses, cry aloud and say: * He became for me a helper and shelter unto salvation. * He is my God and I will glorify Him. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Joseph took down Your body, and he wrapped it in a linen shroud, * and he laid You in his own new sepulcher, O Christ, our salvation. * Then You, being God, resurrected the dead. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Women went at early dawn, and they saw the risen Christ. * They told it to the Lord’s Disciples, saying, “Christ has truly risen! * Come with us and see, and extol Him as God.” [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Blessed Virgin, in your holy womb you reversed the ancient curse, * You gave birth to an infant, and for us you thus brought forth the blessing. * For He is our God, even though He has flesh. [GOASD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. Of old when the Israelite.

Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Master and only heavenly King, * earnestly I beg You to deliver my humble soul * from the reign of sin that now constrains it, * at the entreaties of Your faithful servant kings. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Becoming a lover of the divine * kingdom of the heavens, you believed in the King of all * and Master with purest mind and reason, * O blessed Constantine; therefore you worshiped Him. [SD]

Glory.

When you were illumined with the divine * light, O godly Helen, you decidedly left behind * the darkness of ignorance, and truly * unto the King of ages you ministered. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

As you are the gateway of the divine * Orient, O Lady Theotokos, open for me * the gates of repentance and deliver me * by your entreaties from the deadly gates of sin. [SD]

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 iii.

Canon for the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Στειρωθέντα μου τὸν νοῦν.

Barren has my mind become. * Make me fruitful, O my God, in Your compassion, * as the Husbandman of good, * and the gardener of all * that is virtuous. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Noble Joseph, who held God, * come and stand with us and shout that the Redeemer * has arisen, Jesus Christ * who raised Adam out of Hades in His tender love. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Come and celebrate with us, * holy twelve Apostles and Myrrh-bearing Women, * noble Joseph and the rest * of the holy men and women, you Disciples of Christ. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Holy Virgin, you are blessed, * being born of Jesse’s root. From you has blossomed * rod and flower in the flesh, * namely Christ, who was incarnate to redeem us all. [GOASD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. O divine Master Builder.

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

You made haste to obtain heavenly rewards for yourself. * Hence you followed after the One who called you and left behind * the darkness and the error of your forebears, becoming * a light by the Holy Spirit, O godly-minded one. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O all-modest Saint Helen, clinging to Christ you had placed * all your hope on Him when you traveled unto the Holy Lands, * where the supremely good Master, becoming incarnate, * suffered His immaculate Passion to save the world. [SD]

Glory.

All aflame with divine love, O woman blessed of God, * you unearthed the wood of the precious Cross of our Savior Christ, * the hope of Christians all, the saving weapon and trophy * that cannot be broken, that through envy was concealed. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

I have fallen, O Pure one, from a divine way of life, * and I have become like the cattle. And therefore I am now * condemned in every way. But you the just Judge’s mother, * save me and deliver me from condemnation all. [SD]

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

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.

READER

From Pentecostarion - - -

Kontakion. For the Myrrhbearers.

Mode 2.

In saying Rejoice to the myrrh-bearers, You allayed the lament of the first mother Eve, at Your Resurrection, O Christ our God. And You ordered Your Apostles to proclaim, * “The Savior has risen from the sepulcher.” [SD]

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

When you lifted your senses toward the heights * and you studied the beauty of all the stars, * by them you were introduced to the Lord of the universe. * For the shield of the Cross shone resplendently in their midst; * there inscribed was the message, “In this be victorious.” * Therefore as the vision of your soul was awakened, * you read what was spelled out there, and you learned what you ought to do. * All-august St. Constantine, * intercede with Christ our God, * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to us who celebrate your holy memory with faith and love. [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2.

The choir of Your disciples and the Myrrh-bearing Women are greatly rejoicing together with us. For we are celebrating one and the same feast, which glorifies and honors Your resurrection. By their intercessions, O benevolent Lord, grant to us Your people the great mercy. [GOASD]

Ode iv.

Canon for the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὴν ἐκ παρθένου.

When he foresaw Your nativity * from the Virgin, the Prophet * crying out of old proclaimed: * I have heard Your report and I have become frightened; * for You have come to us * out of Teman and from the overshadowed * holy mountain, O my Christ. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When You had risen, You said, “Rejoice!” to the Myrrh-bearing Women, * who had come to Your tomb. * To the Apostles You said, “Proclaim My resurrection.” * Good Lord, undo the bonds of my many transgressions, * I pray You, who can do whatever You will. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As we all faithfully sing and praise our Savior’s resurrection, * let us honor and extol * pious Joseph, that respected member of the council, * the Apostles of Christ, and the Myrrh-bearing Women, * and together let us celebrate with joy. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O virgin Mother immaculate, who gave birth without labor, * never cease to pray to Him * who made His dwelling inside your womb, O Theotokos, * that He undo the bonds of my many transgressions, * I pray you, who can help whomever You will. [GOASD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (I have heard.)

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Constantine, Christ the Lord caught you in his net from heaven, like He did Paul of old, and He taught you to worship Him as the only King. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Christ the Sun, using stars, shined a very bright sign on you, O blessed Saint, and He made of you a luminary for those who were in darkness. [SD]

Glory.

O blessed Helen, you were God-loving in manner and admirable in your godly deeds. Therefore we faithfully glorify you. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Ever-virgin, who gave birth to the Sun of Righteousness, shine light into my soul, for my transgressions have darkened it. [SD]

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 v.

Canon for the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὴν ἀχλὺν τῆς ψυχῆς μου.

I implore You to scatter the mist on my soul, O Savior, * and illuminate me with the light of Your divine commandments, * as the only King of peace. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

We keep the memory of the pious Myrrh-bearing Women * and all Your Disciples, as we celebrate Your Resurrection, * and we sing Your praise, O Christ. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let us worthily honor Joseph of Arimathea, * for he faithfully took down from the cross the Lord’s holy body, * and he laid it in a tomb. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

We believers extol you who gave birth, transcending nature, * to the One who renewed all of nature, Christ the only Master, * as the Mother of our God. [GOASD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (We rise at early morn.)

Ὀρθρίζοντες βοῶμέν σοι.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O divinely wise Emperor, you woke up to the never-setting Sun and Master, and you were filled with light. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Helen, with love and perfect sympathy as as garment of royal purple, you are dwelling in the royal courts on high. [SD]

Glory.

O Helen, you served God by your virtuous deeds. Now you join the choirs of the bodiless hosts. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, purify my soul, for it is defiled by the pleasures of the body, through the spite of the serpent. [SD]

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 vi.

Canon for the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Βυθῷ ἁμαρτημάτων.

The gulf of my transgressions, O Savior, presses me, * and in the ocean of life I am foundering. * As once You extracted Jonah from the whale, * so now from the passions haul me up, * and bring me to safety. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Respected Joseph wrapped You in linen cloths, O Christ, * and with spices bound the temple of Your body, * which according to Your word had been destroyed, * laid it in the sepulcher, and rolled a stone against the door. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Myrrh-bearing Women, why are you in a rush? * Why bring burial ointments to the living One? * Christ has truly risen just as He foretold. * No longer should you lament and weep. Let your grief turn into joy. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Virgin, without husbandry in your womb, like a vine, * you conceived the fruit of immortality, * from which came forth the imperishable streams * as wine that spring up for us to everlasting life. [GOASD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. I pour out my supplication.

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Constantine, * you assembled the blessed * congregation of the God-bearing fathers, * in an extraordinary Council; and through them * you gave support to the wavering hearts of all, * that they should glorify the Word, * who is one with His Father in honor and rule. [GOASD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Helen, * once you believed in the living * Lord of all, who gives existence to all things, * you put away former pagan traditions * and the contemptible idols that profit not * but rather deaden; and instead * you accepted the heavenly kingdom with joy. [GOASD]

Glory.

O Logos, * the pious sainted emperors, * being governed by Your hand, had departed * from the confusion of pagan religion * and from the absolute darkness of ignorance. * Through You they ruled, and they were led * to the haven of Orthodoxy joyfully. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Maiden, * heal my heart, which is wounded * by the devil’s poison sting and is ailing * and is incurable, all-holy Virgin. * Give me the cure that you have, O immaculate one. * And save me, who rely on you, * by your prayers to your Son on behalf of all. [GOASD]

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

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.

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

On this day St. Constantine along with Helen his mother * have displayed the Cross, that tree worthy of all veneration. * Lifted up, it contradicts its Jewish detractors * and defends all faithful rulers from adversaries. * And for us it has been proven to be a great sign, * inspiring awe in war. [GOASD]

Oikos.

O believers, let us honor Constantine and his mother Helen. They heard to the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “with the cypress, the pine, and the cedar,” and they understood them as referring to the Cross, which was composed of three types of wood and which was the instrument of the saving Passion. It had been hidden because of jealousy and denial, but they found it. They made preparations to display it, and they summoned all the Jews there, and they showed the people this major vindication. And thus everyone saw them as victors, holding the unassailable shield, a great sign, inspiring awe in war. [GOASD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On May 21 we commemorate the holy, glorious, God-crowned and great Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, the Equals to the Apostles.

The holy Neo-martyr Pachomios, who witnessed in Ousaki, Philadelphia, died by the sword.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

CHOIR

Ode vii.

Canon for the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὰ Χερουβὶμ μιμούμενοι.

The Servants in the furnace fire * danced as they imitated * the Cherubim, and cried out: * Blessed are You, O Lord our God, * for You have caused all this to befall us and Your holy city, in truth and in judgment, on account of our sins. * You are supremely extolled and You are glorified, unto all the ages. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The guard of soldiers who became like dead men should explain it. * They did not see Him stolen, * and you know nothing at all. * For although they did not see Him risen or witness it, * how could they conclude that He was stolen from the tomb? * At least be convinced by the sepulcher’s great stone and the burial shroud of Christ. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Why seal the stone and set a guard, O Pharisees and chief priests? * Were you so afraid that the dead man would be stolen away? * Behold, you made the sepulcher secure and sealed the stone. * So, then, how is Christ risen, unless He is God? * The risen bodies of the saints should convince you, for they appeared to many. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Virgin, how did you contain in your womb as an infant * the One whom hosts of Angels attend with fear, since He is God? * According to His plan, as He knew how, He dwelt in you, * as He wished to save all of Adam’s offspring born on earth, * and free Adam from the curse he was under for eating the forbidden fruit. [GOASD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (Servants, descendants.)

Παῖδες Ἑβραίων.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Lord, Constantine kept Your commandments and submitted to Your law. Thus he brought down the armies of those who rejected Your law, and he cried to You: Blessed are You, O God. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O praiseworthy Helen, you uncovered for us the Wood, which drew humanity out of the pit of perdition. It had been buried through envy, and now it buries the destructive demons, unto the ages. [SD]

Glory.

O Helen, with godly deeds you constructed your heart to be a temple of God. You also erected sacred churces for Him, on the sites where He physically endured His immaculate Passion for us. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-holy Theotokos, I willfully sin, and I am enslaved to vile habits. Now I run to your habitual sympathy. Save me, for I am desparate. [SD]

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 viii.

Canon for the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

Within the bush once, the Lord * on Mount Sinai prefigured * unto Moses the virgin Maiden’s miracle of old.* Extol Him as you bless Him, * and exalt supremely, * unto all the ages. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The very stone and the seals that you placed on it cry out; * you had a guard of soldiers that you set to watch the tomb, * and all are bearing witness * that Christ has risen indeed and lives unto the ages. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Indeed Christ has risen, and Hades has been despoiled, * the serpent has been deadened, and Adam has been redeemed, * those below have been saved. * So why do you still disbelieve, you enemies and transgressors? [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

The living bread was compounded with our composition * uncompoundedly, O Virgin, within your holy womb, * and you gave birth to Christ God, * who without change came forth as one person in two natures. [GOASD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The tyrant king.)

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O glorious Constantine, you clothed yourself in graciousness as in royal purple, and in good compassion as in a mantle. You were crowned with a mind perfected in the virtue. And thus you were translated from earth to the royal courts on high, where now you sing: O priests, bless Christ; O people, highly exalt Him, unto the ages. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O glorious Helen, as we see you rejoicing with your godly-minded son in the royal courts of God, we magnify Christ, who has shown us your august feast, which guides us to the light with rays brighter than the sun, as we faithfully sing: O people, highly exalt Christ, unto the ages. [SD]

Glory.

O glorious Helen, the boast of women! How marvelous was your longing! How inspired was your manner! When you arrived at the places that hosted the august Passion of the Master of all, you adorned them with beautiful churches, and you sang: O people, highly exalt Christ, unto the ages. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, the eyes of my soul have become blind because of my many transgressions. I pray you, restore their sight. And give peace to my mind, and to my heart, which is agitated by various pleasures. And save me who am singing now: O priests, bless Christ; O people, highly exalt Him, unto the ages. [SD]

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]

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.

The Magnificat. Mode 2.

Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]

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. [GOASD]

Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]

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. [GOASD]

Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]

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. [GOASD]

Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]

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. [GOASD]

Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]

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. [GOASD]

Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]

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. [GOASD]

Ode ix.

Canon for the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὴν ὑπερφυῶς σαρκί.

You conceived within your womb extraordinarily * the Logos who outside time came forth from God the Father. * We faithful magnify you with our never silent hymns. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let us praise all who proclaimed the resurrection of Christ, * yes, the Myrrh-bearing Women, the Disciples of the Lord, * and Joseph the respected member of the council as well. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O believers, let us sing, “Christ is risen from the dead,” * and honor the respected Joseph and Nikodemus * and the Myrrh-bearing Women, who were loyal to the Lord. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Jesse, celebrate at last. David, dance and leap for joy. * Behold, the holy Virgin, the Rod divinely planted, * has blossomed forth the Flower, even ever-living Christ. [GOASD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. The heavens were astounded.

Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The tomb wherein your sacred and precious corpse * lies, O Constantine, surges continually with divine * lightning flashes and the resplendent rays * of cures for every malady unto all who draw near with ardent faith. * It drives away the darkness; * and by its never-setting * luster illumines those who sing your praise. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

In saintliness you finished your earthly life. * You have now gone to dwell with the other saints, for you abound * with illumination and holiness. * And therefore you continually * overflow with rivers of cures for all. * You wash away the passions, * O blessed Saint Eleni, * and you refresh our souls with holy drink. [SD]

Glory.

Eternally beginningless sovereign King, * You have granted to Saint Helen and to Constantine the Great * kingly rule in heaven, as in the past * You once permitted them to reign * as Orthodox Emperors on the earth, * for they sincerely loved You. * And by their intercessions * on all have mercy, O immortal Lord. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, you conceived the immortal King * and Creator of all, and gave birth to Him. And now behold, * you stand at His right hand, even as Queen * such as you are. And therefore, O pure one, importunely do I entreat: * Redeem me from the portion * on the left, and include me * among the right-hand sheep on Judgement Day. [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

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

Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

The great and holy Constantine * with his mother St. Helen * did not receive imperial * rule and dominion from men * but by divine grace from heaven. * He is the one who witnessed * the divine trophy of the Cross * shining above, and by it he crushed the foes, * ending the deceptive ruse of the idols; * and he confirmed the Orthodox * faith as a world religion. [SD]

For the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Automelon.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

O Women, hearken to the voice * that echoes with exultant joy. * Trampling on Hades, that tyrant, * I raised up all from corruption. * Run now with haste and tell my friends * good tidings as evangelists. * For I will that my creature see * joy distinctly arising * from woman, from whom came sorrow. [SD]

Lauds. Mode pl. 4.

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 Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

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

Full of wisdom, Constantine, rejoice! * The well of Orthodox Faith, * that has watered in every age * the entire universe * with its waters most sweet, rejoice! * Glorious root, out of which has burgeoned forth * the fruit that feeds the entire Church of Christ, * you are the pride and joy * of the fathers; O rejoice! You are the first * of all Christian emperors. * Rejoice, believers’ joy! [SD]

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

He who rules over creation all, * O all-wise Ruler, foresaw * the obedience of your heart, * and through reason captured you * when unreason was ruling you; * and He illumined your thoughts and reasoning * with certain knowledge of Orthodox belief; * glorious Constantine, * to the world He showed you as a shining sun, * radiating brilliant beams * of godly words and deeds. [SD]

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

Full of wisdom, Helen, praised by all, when you accepted the Lord’s * saving teachings, like chosen earth * you abundantly produced * many fruits of your virtuous deeds. * And by displaying a holy way of life * for imitation, you thereby feed our minds. * Therefore we celebrate * your divine memorial, O royal Saint, * festively observing it today with heightened joy. [SD]

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

You anointed paradoxically * with oil of gladness, O Christ, * holy Constantine and devout * Helen who advanced Your work, * for they hated idolatry, * and rather longingly loved Your handsomeness, * O Word, and therefore You made them worthy of * heavenly rule with You; * for they previously ruled upon the earth * with the utmost piety, at Your divine behest. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

The King of kings and God, who adorns the worthy with abundant gifts, caught you in His net, through the sign of the Cross, like He did to Paul the glorious, O Constantine. He said to you, “In this sign conquer your enemies.” Thus having sought Him, as did your godly-minded mother, and having found Him for whom you longed, you utterly defeated them. In company with your mother, earnestly pray for Orthodox rulers, and the Christ-loving armed forces, and all of us who loyally observe your memory, entreating our only benevolent Lord, to deliver us from all wrath. [SD]

Both now. For the Myrrhbearers.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 1. Idiomelon.

The Women came with fear to the tomb, eager to anoint Your Body with spices. When they did not find it, they were at a loss and began to ask each other about it, for they did not yet know about the Resurrection. Then an Angel appeared to them and said, “Christ is risen, granting you the great mercy.” [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.

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 Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

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.

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.

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, glorious, great, God-crowned Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, the Equals to the Apostles, whose memory we are celebrating; 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!