Tone IV

Saturday

Friday Evening at Vespers

On “Lord, I have cried…”, these stichera of the holy martyrs, hierarchs and the venerable, in Tone IV: Special Melody: “Thou hast given a sign…”—

Stichos: If Thou shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, O Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee is forgiveness.

Emulating the sufferings of Christ Who loveth mankind, O passion-bearers, ye gave your bodies over to wounds, and bitter torments, and myriad pangs, ever looking forward to the divine delight of paradise, to ever-abundant sustenance and everlasting glory; and having received this, ye pray for those who hymn you.

Stichos: For Thy name’s sake have I patiently waited for Thee, O Lord; my soul hath waited patiently for Thy word, my soul hath hoped in the Lord.

The foregoing sticheron is repeated.

Stichos: From the morning watch until night, from the morning watch let Israel hope in the Lord.

O most sacred pastors, as glorious emulators of Christ, the Chief Shepherd, the King of all, ye readily laid down your lives for the sheep, and endured grievous misfortunes, O right blessed ones; and as champions ye save the divinely chosen flock unharmed by cruel wolves.

Then, these other stichera, of the martyrs, in the same melody—

Stichos: For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plenteous redemption; and He shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities.

O martyrs of the Lord, ye animate sacrifices, noetic holocausts, perfect offerings to God, ye lambs who know God and are known of Him, and to whose fold the wolves have no entry: Pray ye that with you we also may be tended by the water of peace.

Stichos: O praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise Him, all ye peoples.

Precious is the death of Thy saints, O Lord! For broken by swords, fire and freezing cold, they poured forth their blood, placing in Thee their hope, that they would receive reward for their toils. They endured, O Savior, and have received great mercy from Thee.

Stichos: For He hath made His mercy to prevail over us, and the truth of the Lord abideth forever.

As ye have boldness before the Savior, O saints, unceasingly pray for us sinners, asking remission of transgressions and great mercy for our souls.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Dogmatic theotokion—

The Prophet David, the forefather of God, for thy sake gave voice beforehand in psalmody concerning thee, unto Him Who in thee accomplished mighty works: The Queen stood at Thy right hand. For God Whose good pleasure it was to become incarnate of thee without father showed thee, His Mother, to be the Mediatress of life that He might renew His image which had become corrupt through the passions; and having found the sheep which had strayed among the mountains and become lost, He taketh it upon His shoulders and bringeth it to His Father; and Christ, Who is possessed of great and rich mercy, in accordance with His will, uniteth it with the hosts of heaven, and saveth the world, O Theotokos.

Then, O gladsome Light…; the Prokimenon of the day; and Vouchsafe, O Lord…

Aposticha stichera, in Tone IV—

Martyricon: O Christ God, Who art glorified in the memorials of Thy saints, be Thou entreated by them, and send down upon us great mercy.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Martyricon: O Thou Who lovest mankind, and Who hast accepted the patience of the holy martyrs, through their supplications grant us great mercy.

Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Nekrosimon: With the souls of the righteous who have fallen asleep grant rest, O Savior, to the souls of thy departed servants, preserving them in the life of blessedness which is in Thee Who lovest mankind.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O all-pure Mistress, inextinguishable lamp and throne of righteousness: Pray thou that our souls be saved.

Then, Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart…; Trisagion through Our Father…; Troparia. Litany, and Dismissal.

Friday Night at Compline

Canon of Supplication to the All-Holy Theotokos

Ode I

Irmos: O Thou Who wast born of the Virgin, drown Thou, I pray Thee, the three parts of my soul in the depths of dispassion, as of old Thou didst drown the mounted captains of Pharaoh; that, in the mortality of my body, as on a timbrel, I may chant a hymn of victory.

From the mire of the passions, from the threefold billows of wicked thoughts, from the darts of the evil one, and from every assault of the adversary, deliver my wretched soul, O all-pure Theotokos, and rescue me from everlasting fire.

Lead me up from the abyss of transgressions, O pure one, and guide me to the light of the divine commandments of Christ God our Savior; shine forth upon me the saving radiance of repentance, and grant me life eternal.

Glory…: Having fallen into the evil mire of my wicked deeds, I am choked greatly on mine evils, and I find no firm place whereon to stand. O Virgin Mistress and Mother, lead me up by thy power, and deliver me from fire and torment.

Now & ever…: Thou hast destroyed death and corruption, O most hymned Theotokos, having given birth to Christ, the Well-spring of incorruption, Who hath adorned human nature with immortality and grace, O all-immaculate one.

Ode III

Irmos: Neither in wisdom, nor in power, nor yet in riches do we boast, but in Thee, O Christ, the hypostatic Wisdom of the Father; for none is holy save Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Having been made manifest, O pure Virgin, take the darkness away from my soul, break asunder the bonds of sin, and save me by thine assistance, I pray.

My heart, which hath been whirled about by the assaults of the passions, do thou make steadfast in the all-pure fear of God, O all-immaculate Virgin, by thy lovingkindness.

Glory…: Despairing of any hope, O all-immaculate one, I have fled to thee as my mighty preservation and shelter. Wherefore, take not away from me thy divine protection.

Now & ever…: Arrayed like a queen in robes inwrought with gold, O Mistress, thou standest now at the right hand of God, praying for thy servants.

Ode IV

Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine hath come on a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm hath saved those who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!

O divinely blessed Maiden, free me who am held fast by despondency, am wholly benighted by the gloom of the passions, and am in thrall to sin; and join me to thy Son and our God.

In that thou gavest birth to Life, O all-immaculate one, give life to me who have been slain by the malice of the deceiver; for to thee have I fled. Lead me up who have been engulfed by abysmal falls, in that thou art merciful, O most immaculate one.

Glory…: I lie in the tomb of mine unseemly pleasures, and am held fast by despondency and slothfulness. Yet, O good one who gavest birth to the Resurrection of all, enliven and save me!

Now & ever…: Of old, O Virgin, the prophet called thee the sacred mountain of God, wholly overshadowed by the virtues, from whence the saving Word appeared, unto the edification and enlightenment of our souls.

Ode V

Irmos: The ungodly perceive not Thy glory, O Christ; but, waking at dawn out of the night, we hymn Thee, O Only-begotten One Who lovest mankind, Thou effulgence of the glory of the Father’s divinity.

May my lowly soul rejoice to fear thy Son, O Mistress, and to carry out His commandments with a willing heart. O most immaculate and all-pure one, guide me by thy supplications.

O good Mistress, vouchsafe that my passion-plagued soul may confess the Deliverer with all my heart, dispelling the ignorance of my heart, O most immaculate one. Glory…: Keep thou my soul as the apple of thine eye under the shelter of thy wings, O good and all-pure one, and deliver it from the oppression and tyranny of the evil spirits.

Now & ever…: O all-pure one, thou hast appeared, delivering from the assaults of the passions and the evil demons thy servant who hath acquired thee as a mighty ally and intercessor unashamed.

Ode VI

Irmos: Prefiguring Thy three-day burial, the Prophet Jonah, praying within the sea monster, cried out: Deliver me from corruption, O Jesus, King of hosts!

Cast down those who ever wage war upon me, O Mistress, and dispel the cloud of mine evil thoughts, O Mother of God who art the portal of the Sun of righteousness.

Shine upon me the radiance of repentance, O Mistress, and break through the clouds of mine evil thoughts, for I have been attracted and corrupted by grievous corruption.

Glory…: Still thou the raging billows of my passions and quell the storm of mine evil thoughts, O all-immaculate one, thou steadfast intercessor and protection of all.

Now & ever…: The transgressions of my soul have multiplied more than the sand of the sea, and like a heavy burden they crush me; yet, taking pity, O Virgin, save me before the end.

Then, “Lord, have mercy!”: Thrice. Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn, in Tone IV—

We, the faithful, bless thee as the Theotokos, our helper and fervent aid amid misfortunes, our reconciliation with God, by whom we have been delivered from corruption.

Ode VII

Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the children of Abraham trampled upon the flame of the furnace, crying aloud in hymns: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

O pure Theotokos, I call upon thee with faith: Keep safe my lowly heart, and deliver me from the flame of torment and everlasting darkness.

With the spear of thy Son, O pure Virgin, rend asunder the record of my transgressions, and deliver me, I pray, from all restraint at the hour of mine end.

Glory…: With the streams of my tears and the downpouring of thy compassions, O pure Virgin, quench thou the furnace which the multitude of mine evils have prepared for me through the activity of the demons.

Now & ever…: From the temptations which assail us and from every torment, O thou who alone art the Ever-virgin Mother of the Word, do thou deliver us who truly hymn thee with understanding for all ages.

Ode VIII

Irmos: O Almighty Deliverer of all, descending into the midst of the flame Thou didst bedew the pious youths and didst teach them to chant: Bless and hymn the Lord, all ye works!

Heal thou my ailing soul, O Theotokos, Virgin Bride of God; illumine my benighted mind, and rescue me from fire and the indescribable and everlasting torments.

Bent beneath the weight of irrational passions, I have fallen into the abyss of destruction and have made myself fuel for the flame; yet do thou deliver me, thy servant, therefrom, O Virgin Theotokos.

Glory…: Dry up the depths of mine evils, O thou who gavest birth to the Abyss of lovingkindness, the Deliverer and Lord, and before the end loose thou the bonds of mine evils, O thou who gavest birth to the Savior of all.

Now & ever…: The Lord Who became incarnate through thy womb, He Who hath dominion over all creation, showed thee, O Virgin, to be the sovereign Lady who reignest over all creatures, visible and invisible, glorifying thee as His immaculate Mother.

Ode IX

Irmos: Eve, through weakness, abode under the curse of disobedience; but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, hast put forth blessing for the world through the Offspring of thy child-bearing. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

My heart, which is barren of divine virtues, O all-pure Virgin Theotokos, do thou show forth as fruitful, in that thou wast born of a barren woman at the behest and by the will of Him Who transformeth all things: that I may hymn thee, the most hymned one.

With thy light illumine me, O all-immaculate one who gavest birth to the unapproachable Light; burn away the clouds of my passions, rescue me from the darkness devoid of light, and vouchsafe unto me divine light, that I may hymn thee, O Virgin Mother.

Glory…: With the sprinkling of thy compassions, O pure one, cleanse thou the putrefaction of my heart, and vouchsafe that I may ever shed my tears in streams, cutting off the torrents of the passions and delivering me from torment.

Now & ever…: O right loving Theotokos who gavest birth to the right loving God, do thou now quickly free me from wicked carnal love, that I, who am perishing through slothfulness, may serve the will of God, O Mistress.

Then, “It is truly meet…”, and a prostration. Trisagion through Our Father…Troparia, and the rest as usual. Dismissal. 

Saturday Morning at Matins

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these Sessional hymns of the martyrs, in Tone IV—

Today the armies of heaven have arrived for the memorial of the passion-bearers, to enlighten the minds of the faithful and to illumine the whole world with grace. Entreated by them, O God, grant us great mercy.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Armed with the Cross, O Christ our God, Thy passion-bearers overcame the wiles of the enemy, the author of evil, and shone forth, guiding mortal men like beacons; and they give healings unto those who ask with faith. Through their supplications save Thou our souls.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels, through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.

After the second chanting of the Psalter, these Sessional hymns, in Tone IV—

In their sufferings, O Lord, Thy martyrs received imperishable crowns from Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, they cast down the tyrants and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By their supplications save Thou our souls.

Stichos: Many are the tribulations of the righteous, and the Lord shall deliver them out of them all.

Adorned with the blood of Thy martyrs throughout all the world, as with purple and fine linen, Thy Church crieth out to Thee through them, O Christ God: Send down Thy compassions upon Thy people, and grant peace to Thy commonwealth and great mercy to our souls!

Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Nekrosimon: Unto the souls whom Thou hast taken to Thyself from among transitory things, O Savior, grant rest, in that Thou alone art full of lovingkindness, almighty and lovest mankind; forgive the sins they have committed, in that Thou art compassionate, O Merciful One; and by the supplications of the Theotokos have mercy on the works of Thy hands, in that Thou alone lovest mankind.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O pure and most immaculate one, who knewest not wedlock, who gavest birth within time to the only timeless Son and Word of God: Beseech Him with the holy and honorable patriarchs, the martyrs and prophets, and the venerable, that He grant us cleansing and great mercy.

Ode I

Canon of the holy martyrs, hierarchs, the venerable & the departed, the acrostic whereof is
“I praise with splendor the godly friends of Christ”: the composition of Joseph, in Tone IV—

Irmos: O Thou Who wast born of the Virgin, drown Thou, I pray Thee, the three parts of my soul in the depths of dispassion, as of old Thou didst drown the mounted captains of Pharaoh; that, in the mortality of my body, as on a timbrel, I may chant a hymn of victory.

The honorable Church is ever made splendid by the radiant struggles of the athletes of the Lord, and rendering worship it glorifieth Christ, the Sun Who shone forth from the Virgin and dispelled the darkness of deception.

With faith let us praise the holy hierarchs of Christ, who shepherded well the chosen people; and let us praise the whole assembly of those who lived in holiness and by their spirit mortified the pleasures of the body.

Might was given by God to women who by grace trampled down the enemy in fasting and mighty suffering. By the supplications of them and Thy holy prophets, O Lord, send down Thy mercies upon all.

Nekrosimon: O Christ, justify Thy servants whom, in Thy righteous providence, Thou hast taken from this corruptible life unto true life; and, overlooking their transgressions, vouchsafe that they may join chorus with all Thy righteous ones.

Theotokion: Delivering us from the primal condemnation, the Son of God became thy Son, O pure one; wherefore, adopted for thy sake, we bless the heavenly Father, hymning thee.

Another canon, of the departed, we chant when there is no Menaion, 
the acrostic whereof is “A fourth rule: remembering our end”: in Tone IV—

Irmos: Having traversed the depths of the Red Sea with dryshod feet, Israel of old vanquished the might of Amalek in the wilderness by Moses’ arms stretched out in the form of the Cross.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Keep Thy servants at Thy right hand, O Savior, and, entreated by the passion-bearing martyrs, guide them to the pasture of immortality, that they may behold Thy beauty.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy departed servants.

Overlooking their transgressions, vouchsafe, O Christ, that they who have reposed in faith may inherit Thine ineffable and blessed glory; and justify them by grace, through the shedding of Thy blood.

Glory…: By Thy life-bearing death Thou didst slay the slayer, O Christ God. Grant rest now to Thy faithful servants, whom Thou hast received, and to whom Thou givest Thy life.

Theotokion: When the Son of God, Who is comely in all-exalted beauties, yet became incarnate of thee, O Virgin, was lifted up upon the Tree, He was bereft of beauty, taking on Himself death for all.

Ode III

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: The bow of the mighty is become weak, and the strengthless have girded themselves with power; wherefore, my heart is established in the Lord.

Slaughtered like lambs, the right victorious martyrs were offered unto Christ, the Lamb and Word of God Who was slain for the deliverance of all.

As mouths of God, the initiates of the sacred mysteries brought forth worthy people from among the unworthy, enlightening them with sacred teachings.

The company of the venerable have found inexhaustible sustenance through their asceticism, delighting in the sight of divine things and in spiritual ascents.

Nekrosimon: At the entreaties of all Thy saints, O Christ, grant rest unto all who have departed in faith, overlooking the transgressions they have committed in their life.

Theotokion: We offer praise unto God Who through the Virgin was born in the flesh, and Who hath united the choirs of women to the angelic choirs.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: Neither in wisdom, nor in power, nor yet in riches do we boast, but in Thee, O Christ, the hypostatic Wisdom of the Father; for none is holy save Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Having triumphed over the deception of idolatry, the martyrs now entreat God the Master, that He grant divine rest unto those who have reposed before.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy departed servants.

Be Thou well-pleased to withdraw the flaming sword, O Master, that Thy servants who have reposed may partake of the tree of life.

Glory…: Vouchsafe that Thy servants may dwell amid the sustenance of paradise, where the pure voices of those who keep festival are heard, O Christ, granting them remission of their offenses.

Theotokion: Thou didst combine virginity with divine birthgiving, O all-pure one; for thou didst ineffably give birth to the Creator of all things, unto Whose will all submit.

Ode IV

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine hath come on a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm hath saved those who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!

The most sacred company of martyrs hath been glorified; and by their members in sacred manner they have glorified the Lord Who is glorified by all the angels, and they pray that we be delivered from all tribulation.

Possessed of a mind resplendent with immaterial radiance, O godly hierarchs, ye dispelled the night of all deception, and with true instruction guided the divinely chosen flock of Christ to understanding.

The innumerable multitude of the venerable hath been adorned, the sole triumph of divine women hath been magnified, and the holy council of the prophets hath been honored, united, rejoicing, with the councils of the angels.

Nekrosimon: Having become fellow citizens with the angels, O holy martyrs, ask for all those who have fallen asleep remission, a dwelling in divine paradise, and ultimate deliverance from transgressions.

Theotokion: He Who preserved thee a virgin after thine incorrupt birthgiving hath glorified the virgins who stand round about thee. With them do thou unceasingly pray that our souls be saved from every sorrow and peril.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: Beholding Thee lifted up upon the Cross, O Sun of righteousness, the Church stood rooted in place, crying out as is meet: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Shown forth as luminaries, the martyrs enlighten the sky of the Church, and they entreat Christ the Savior to grant surcease unto those who have fallen asleep.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy departed servants.

Possessing Thy Cross as a rod of power, thy servants have passed through the sea of the world, O Lord, and Thou hast caused them to dwell in Thy mountain, wherein Thou didst make Thy sanctuary.

Glory…: Thy servants, whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Master, be Thou well-pleased to settle in Thy truly beloved habitations, where the souls of the righteous dwell.

Theotokion: The Immortal One, Who hath dominion over the dead and the living, becoming incarnate as a man from thee, O Mother of God, endured death in the flesh, destroying the power of death.

Ode V

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: Thou hast come, O my Lord, as a light into the world: a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance those who hymn Thee with faith.

Suspended upon crosses, broken on wheels and dismembered, the mighty martyrs appeared before God wholly intact.

As saviors of the faithful, O holy hierarchs, ye brought to the Lamb and Master those who were entrusted to you to shepherd in holiness.

Having withdrawn from the tumults of the world, O venerable ones, ye calmed hearts stirred up by the passions, and became children of the God of all.

Nekrosimon: O ye divine prophets, O company of women who were pleasing unto God, ask rest for those who have fallen asleep before us.

Theotokion: God, Who made His abode within thee, O all-pure Virgin, hath made men divine habitations of His glory.

Canon of the Departed 

Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Thou didst glorify the martyrs of Thy dominion, O Lord; for their sake grant rest unto those who have fallen asleep before us, in that Thou art full of lovingkindness.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy departed servants.

O greatly Merciful One, grant unto those who have died before us never-ending life, beauteous joy and unceasing gladness.

Glory…: O only Good One, Source of goodness, grant rest unto those who reached the end of their life in faith and the knowledge of Thee. Theotokion: We hymn thee, O Mother of God, through whom the ineffable and unapproachable Light hath shone forth on those in darkness, and we bless thee with love.

Ode VI

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: I have come unto the depths of the sea, and the tempest of my many sins hath engulfed me; but, as God, lead up my life from the abyss, O greatly Merciful One.

Like most costly stones all-wisely rolling upon the earth, O martyrs, ye demolished the whole structure of ungodliness and became temples of God.

From violent hands ye save all who are under your hands, O holy, righteous and venerable hierarchs, preserving the flock in Christ; wherefore, ye are called blessed.

Following the sayings of the prophets, in sufferings and fasting the multitude of women pleased God the Word, Who shone forth from the Virgin, a woman.

Nekrosimon: O greatly Merciful One, Thou Life of all, vouchsafe unto the dead who in faith have passed from us unto Thee, the Creator, that they may dwell in light with Thy saints.

Theotokion: With mouth, tongue and heart I confess thee to be the pure Mother of our God, O Maiden. By thy mediation deliver me from everlasting damnation.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: I will sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, the Church crieth unto Thee, cleansed of the blood of demons by the blood which, for mercy’s sake, flowed from Thy side.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Let the flaming sword, beholding the spear which pierced Thy divine side, withdraw before Thy servants, O Savior, at the entreaties of Thy passion-bearers.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy departed servants.

Hanging upon the Tree, O my Savior, Thou didst open paradise. In that Thou art compassionate, cause those who have reposed in the faith to dwell therein, and show them to be partakers of Thy life.

Glory…: Vouchsafe that those who through death have passed over to Thee in piety, O Master, may delight in the pasture of life, and number them with the righteous of ages past.

Theotokion: Though the Word is invisible God, yet did He become visibly incarnate of the Virgin Maiden who knew not man; and by His death He hath destroyed death.

Ode VII

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the children of Abraham trampled upon the flame of the furnace, crying aloud in hymns: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Together let us in gladness of soul hymn the martyrs of the Lord, the sanctified vessels of Christ the Master, the bulwarks and pillars of the Church.

The holy hierarchs of Christ and the divine choir of all the venerable rejoice with the hosts on high. By their supplications, O Christ, save those who hymn Thee.

The goodly endurance of the women who shone forth in holiness and suffering and with faith labored in asceticism hath cast down him who infected Eve with disobedience.

Nekrosimon: O Thou Who hast destroyed hades and trampled down death by Thy death, grant rest to those whom Thou hast taken to Thyself in faith, and cause them to dwell in paradise.

Theotokion: Seeing the flame which did not consume the bush, the law-giver of old was taught an image of thy birthgiving, O ever-blessed Virgin Theotokos.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, afire with love of piety more than with the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Accepting the endurance and patience and the blood of all the martyrs, grant rest unto those who in piety have fallen asleep in Thee, in that Thou art merciful and right placable.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy departed servants.

Numbering the souls of Thy servants who have passed on to Thee among the firstborn and Thy righteous, O Savior, vouchsafe that they may unceasingly delight in Thee Who hast dominion over all.

Glory…: O Word of God, our Deliverer, in that Thou art merciful be Thou well-pleased, as God, that those whom Thou hast now taken to Thyself may meet Thee on the clouds, with gladness, confidence and splendor.

Theotokion: Rejoice, O blessed Theotokos, Virgin Mother, for because of thee hath the destruction of death been wrought and life indestructible been given to those who have died.

Ode VIII

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: O Almighty Deliverer of all, descending into the midst of the flame Thou didst bedew the pious youths and didst teach them to chant: Bless and hymn the Lord, all ye works!

The holy hierarchs, prophets and martyrs, who fought the sacred fight, have received a sacred habitation with the angels, and with them they ask that cleansing and great mercy be given to us all.

Enlightened by the Spirit, the venerable ones dispelled the darkness of the demons; and with them the hieromartyrs and holy hierarchs, the prophets and the righteous, glorify God in praise.

He who before boasted mindlessly that he would destroy the earth and the sea is ever trampled underfoot by the women who have zealously served God in asceticism and fasting.

Nekrosimon: We beseech Thee in behalf of all who in faith have fallen asleep, O Christ: In that Thou art full of lovingkindness, enroll them in the choirs of the saved, who unceasingly cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Theotokion: O Mistress Theotokos, who gavest birth to the right merciful Word, vouchsafe me thy mercy, and save me who cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel shut the lions’ mouths in the pit; and the young lovers of piety, girded about with virtue, quenched the power of the fire, crying out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Hearkening to the entreaties of the martyrs and taking pity on that which is of the same stock as Thee, O Master, grant rest to the souls of those who have fallen asleep in faith in Thee, overlooking their sins, for they cry unto Thee: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy departed servants.

Reckoned as one dead with the two malefactors, Thou didst pour forth immortal life upon the dead; wherefore, vouchsafe that Thy servants who have reposed in the hope of resurrection may receive Thy kingdom, O Savior, for they cry unto Thee: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Glory…: O Savior, Thou truly ever-flowing Well-spring of goodness, grant peace unto Thy servants, who have meekly left this corruptible life and found repose in the mansions of heaven, for they cry unto Thee: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Theotokion: Thou alone hast appeared on earth as an all-pure virgin and mother who knew not wedlock, O Mistress, for in manner past recounting and comprehension thou gavest birth unto God, and hast poured forth eternal life upon the dead; wherefore, we all bless thee, O Mary, Bride of God.

We then chant the Hymn of the Theotokos [the Magnificat], with the refrain: “More honorable than the cherubim…”: and make prostrations.

Ode IX

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: Eve, through weakness, abode under the curse of disobedience; but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, hast put forth blessing for the world through the Offspring of thy child-bearing. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Seeing the divine gifts and receiving honors for their great pangs, the martyrs rejoice, magnifying Christ Who truly magnified them and showed them to be victors.

Having been ordained as bishops for the people and made yourselves radiant through fasting, O holy hierarchs who preached God, ye shone forth more brightly than the sun, illumining the faithful in the manifestation of great deeds, O venerable ones.

Let us bless all the venerable and the righteous, the hieromartyrs and all the prophets, and the women who splendidly pleased God, crying out: At their entreaties, O Christ, deliver our souls from Gehenna!

Nekrosimon: Unto those who have passed over to Thee in faith vouchsafe the joy received by the saints who were well-pleasing unto Thee, O Christ, overlooking their offenses, O only greatly merciful Lord.

Theotokion: O most immaculate one who wast revealed to be more exalted than the cherubim, in that thou gavest birth to the Sustainer of all things, elevate my mind, strengthening me against the carnal passions, that I may do the will of the Master.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: Same as the foregoing.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Unto true martyrs and athletes Thou gavest the boldness to entreat Thee, O Lord. For their sake give divine deliverance unto those who have reposed in faith, granting them to dwell in a place of holy habitation.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy departed servants.

O Thou Who by Thy most creative hand dost work all things for the good, Who hast authority over the living and dominion over the dead: In that Thou art almighty, settle by peaceful waters Thy servants whom Thou hast taken to Thyself.

Glory…: O Thou Who art good by nature, Who art rich in mercies and goodness, deliver from the outermost darkness those who call upon Thy name, justifying them by faith and grace, and enlighten them, in that Thou lovest mankind.

Theotokion: The prophets proclaimed the images of thy birthgiving, O most immaculate one, and others have composed yet other titles for thee, for thou gavest birth unto the Life of those in hades, Who destroyeth the might of death.

Then, “It is truly meet to bless thee…”: and a prostration. Litany, exapostilarion, and the usual psalms;

On the Praises, these stichera of the martyrs, in Tone IV—

Who is not filled with awe, beholding the good contest wherein ye struggled, O holy martyrs? How have ye, who are fleshly beings, vanquished the incorporeal foe, confessing Christ and having armed yourselves with His Cross? Wherefore, as is meet, ye have been shown to be expellers of the demons and opponents of the barbarians, unceasingly praying that our souls be saved.

Ye have become fellow partakers with the angels, O holy martyrs who manfully preached Christ at the tribunal; for ye forsook all the beautiful things of this world as though they did not exist, and clung to the Faith as your steadfast hope. Wherefore, having driven deception away, ye pour forth gifts of healing upon the faithful, unceasingly praying that our souls be saved.

How can we fail to marvel at your struggles, O holy martyrs? For, clad in mortal bodies, ye vanquished incorporeal enemies. The threats of tyrants did not frighten you, neither did the infliction of tortures daunt you. Ye have truly been glorified by Christ, as is meet. Ask ye great mercy for our souls.

Precious is the death of Thy saints, O Lord! For broken by swords, fire and freezing cold, they poured forth their blood, placing in Thee their hope, that they would receive reward for their toils. They endured, O Savior, and have received great mercy from Thee.

Nekrosimon: In the place of Thy rest, O Lord, where all Thy saints repose, grant rest also to the souls of thy servants, in that Thou alone lovest mankind.

Glory…: Where is the passionate attraction of the world? Where is the illusion of transitory things? Where is the gold and silver? Where are the multitude of servants and their clamor? All is dust, all is ashes, all is shadow. But come ye, and let us cry aloud to Christ Who is immortal: O Lord, vouchsafe Thine eternal good things unto those who have departed from us, granting them rest in Thy blessedness which waxeth not old.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: O only pure and all-pure Virgin, who gavest birth without seed unto God: Pray thou that our souls be saved.

Aposticha stichera of the departed, in Tone IV: Special Melody: “Thou hast given a sign…”—

Truly awesome is the mystery of death: how the soul is perforce wrested from the body and is parted from the frame and cohesion of its physical form by Thy divine will! Wherefore, we beseech Thee: In the dwellings of Thy righteous grant rest to those who have departed unto Thee, O Bestower of life, Who lovest mankind.

Stichos: Blessed are those whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Death is but a dream for those who believe in Thee Who wast laid in the tomb, and, exercising dominion over all, didst destroy the dominion of death, abolishing its age-old sway. Wherefore, we entreat Thee: Those who have departed unto Thee do Thou cause to dwell in the joy of Thy saints and the splendor of the just.

Stichos: Their souls shall dwell amid good things.

Thou becamest justification and sanctification for us, and the deliverance of our souls; for Thou didst call us, justified and delivered, unto the Father, accepting our debt as canceled. And we now entreat Thee: In the joy and radiance of Thy saints grant rest unto those who have passed over to Thee, O our Benefactor Who lovest mankind.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Following the words of the divinely eloquent prophets, O most immaculate one, we understand thee to be the Theotokos; for thou didst ineffably give birth to God incarnate, Who hath delivered us who have been made captive by offenses. Him do thou now beseech, O all-pure one, that He illumine thy departed servants with His effulgence.

Then, “It is good to give thanks…” Trisagion through Our Father…Troparion. Litany. First Hour, and Dismissal. 

Saturday at Divine Liturgy

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone IV—

Of old was Adam banished from paradise through the tree, but by the tree of the Cross hath the thief come to dwell in paradise: the one by tasting rejected the commandment of the Creator, but the other, crucified with Christ, confessed the hidden God, crying out: Remember me in Thy kingdom!

Afire with the love of Christ, O holy martyrs, with the dew of your struggles ye quenched the fire of ungodliness; and ye were shown to be greatly radiant lamps of the Church, driving the darkness of infirmities and tribulations from our souls by your goodness; wherefore, we praise you as is meet.

O sacred hierarchs, ye divine company of the prophets, ye choir of the venerable, ye sole procession of holy women, who pleased God with virtuous acts and have been glorified: We bless you, praying through your entreaties, that we may receive enlightenment and life everlasting.

Nekrosimon: Where Thy light shineth, and where the choirs of the saints rejoice, whence sighing and pain are fled, do Thou number Thy servants, who have reposed in times past and departed this most painful life, O Christ, that they may hymn Thine ineffable goodness; and overlook the transgressions they committed on earth.

Glory…: O indivisible Trinity, Who art worshipped in the Father, the Son and the Spirit, O Unity of three Hypostases, united in every way though with unconfused properties: At the entreaties of Thy holy martyrs, the fathers and the honorable prophets, grant rest unto those who have died in the Faith, and grant purification to their souls.

Now & ever…: Thou didst conceive the Word Whom the Father begot before the morning-star, and gavest birth to Him in the flesh as perfect man, known in two activities and wills, O all-pure one. Wherefore, entreat Him as the Creator and Lord, that He have pity on us who hymn thee, O Maiden Bride of God.

The End of Tone IV