Tone V

Saturday

Friday Evening at Vespers

On “Lord, I have cried…”: these stichera of the holy martyrs, hierarchs and the venerable , in Tone V.· Special Melody: “Rejoice,…”—

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

With the streams of their blood the passion-bearers quenched the flame of grievous ungodliness; and enkindling the radiance of piety throughout the whole world, they utterly consumed the false gods and their fœtid stench. They have shone forth the most pure light upon those on earth, and enlightened thereby, we elude the darkness of ungodliness and evade the deception of idols, worshipping Christ, Who granteth the world great mercy.

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.

Easily setting at naught the words of the ungodly heretics and their pursuit, ye became warriors of the unoriginate Father, the Son Who is equally without beginning, and the Holy Spirit, the Unity of Divinity in three Persons, teaching the faithful with piety of mind and confirming the preaching of Orthodoxy. Wherefore, ye are called blessed, O most sacred pastors, for in life-bearing pastures ye tended the flock of Christ, for Whom ye endured all manner of pangs and multifarious trials.

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

Receiving mastery of mind through the doing of virtuous deeds, the company of the venerable, who struggled, with ease utterly trampled the carnal passions underfoot. Thereby they valiantly overcame all the wiles of the demons and were shown to be conversers with the angels, since they lived as ones incorporeal. And they now rejoice in the mansions on high, living in splendor, and stand before Christ, asking Him to grant our souls great mercy.

These stichera for the martyrs, in the same tone—

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.

Having put on the breastplate of faith and armed themselves with the image of the Cross, Thy saints, O Lord, manfully gave themselves over to torments and cast down the pride and deception of the devil. As God almighty, send down peace upon the world through their entreaties, and great mercy upon our souls.

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

The foregoing sticheron is repeated.

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

Not caring for all the things of earth, and manfully braving tortures, ye were not disappointed in your goodly hopes, but were inheritors of the kingdom of heaven, O all-lauded martyrs. Having boldness before God Who loveth mankind, ask peace for the world and great mercy for our souls.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Dogmatic theotokion—

Once, the image of the Bride who knoweth not wedlock was inscribed in the Red Sea. There Moses was the parter of the waters; and here Gabriel is the minister of a miracle. There Israel traversed the deep dryshod; and now the Virgin giveth birth unto Christ without seed. The sea remained impassable after Israel had crossed; and the immaculate one remaineth incorrupt after the birth of Emmanuel. O God Who hast appeared as a man, Who existest and hast existed from the beginning: Have mercy upon us!

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

Aposticha stichera, in Tone V—

Pray for us, O holy martyrs, that we may be delivered from our iniquities; for unto you hath been given the grace to pray for us.

Your souls filled with insatiable love, O holy martyrs, ye did not deny Christ; and enduring the divers wounds of sufferings, ye cast down the audacity of the tormentors; and having preserved the Faith intact and unharmed, ye were translated to the heavens. Wherefore, as ye have boldness before Him, ask that He grant us great mercy.

Nekrosimon: I have remembered the prophet, who cried: I am earth and ashes! And again I looked into the graves, and beheld bones laid bare; and I said: Which is the king, and which the warrior? Which the rich man, which the poor? Which the righteous, which the sinner? Yet grant rest with the righteous, O Lord, to Thy servants.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O thou who art full of joy, intercede in thy mediations, and beg for our souls a multitude of compassions and cleansing of our many sins, we entreat thee.

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: Bringing battles to naught with His upraised arm, Christ hath overthrown horse and rider in the Red Sea, and hath saved Israel, who chanteth a hymn of victory.

All the generations of men praise thee, O Virgin, as thou didst foretell in prophecy of old; wherefore, accept me who hymn thee, O Mistress, and enlighten and make me wise.

Thou hast broken the sting of death and the sin of the world, O Virgin Mistress, having given birth to true Life. Quickly break also the sharp arrows of my passions.

Glory…: Having been shown to be the only one arrayed in virgin’s vesture, thou didst rend asunder the fig-leaves which Adam wore; wherefore, clothe me in the garments of chastity by thy supplications.

Now & ever…: Many daughters of Adam before thee acquired riches and divine glory, but thou hast surpassed them all beyond compare, O Mistress; wherefore, enrich me now with heavenly and divine grace.

Ode III

Irmos: O Christ Who by Thy command fixed the earth upon naught and suspended its weight unsupported: establish Thou Thy Church upon the immovable rock of Thy commandments, O Thou Who alone art good and lovest mankind.

The depths and heights of the unapproachable wisdom of God, Who was born of thy womb, have been recognized in thee, whereby deliver my heart from the depths of the serpent’s reasoning.

O Christ, Who of old fashioned out of water the winged creatures and serpents, which before had not existed: Thou didst straightway fashion the strange vesture of Thy divine incarnation out of the blood of the pure Virgin.

Glory…: Thou alone, O all-pure one, hast been shown to be the cleansing of our nature, for in thee did the divine Fire make His abode without consuming thee, that He might purify it; wherefore, cleanse me of the defilement of the offenses of my passions, and illumine me by thy supplications.

Now & ever…: Knowing thee to be the cup of the Offshoot of the new vine, manifestly giving drink to the faithful for the remission of offenses, O all-pure one, I pray: Give drink to my heart with an outpouring of divine water.

Ode IV

Irmos: Perceiving Thy divine condescension prophetically, O Christ, Habbakuk cried out to Thee with trembling: Thou art come for the salvation of Thy people, to save Thine anointed ones!

Thou hast been shown to be the unploughed furrow which produced the unsown divine Grain, whereby I, the hungry, am fed with divine gifts and grace.

Giving drink with the water of thy supplications to me who am truly sick unto death and am stuck fast in the fire of the passions of my soul, raise me quickly up.

Glory…: As thou art the animate city of God, gladdened by the flow of noetic rivers, make steadfast the house of my soul with the pillars of thy supplications.

Now & ever…: Knowing thee to be the cloud raining down true righteousness, O all-pure Mistress, I pray that thou quickly deliver me thy servant from all who oppress me.

Ode V

Irmos: O Thou Who art clothed in light as with a garment: I rise at dawn unto Thee, and to Thee do I cry: enlighten Thou my gloom-enshrouded soul, O Christ, in that Thou alone art compassionate!

Utterly suppress the turbulence and billows of sin and my passions, O Virgin Mistress, having given birth to the Cause of dispassion.

Shown from on high to be Christ’s cloth of the divine vesture of majesty, O pure one, with the raiment of the virtues clothe my naked soul.

Glory…: Grant me cleansing of offenses by thine entreaties, O pure Virgin who gavest birth for us to Christ the Lord, our divine Purification.

Now & ever…: By thy supplications, O Virgin, do away with the sores, wounds and stripes of my sins, and grant power to thy servant.

Ode VI

Irmos: O Christ Master, still Thou the sea of the passions which rageth with a soul-destroying tempest, and lead me up from corruption, in that Thou art compassionate.

O thou who gavest birth to the Light Who created the luminaries of the sky, illumine now my soul and deliver me from the darkness of the passions, O most radiant one.

Entreat thy Son, Who of old sweetened the waters of Mara, O Theotokos, that He quickly deliver me from grievous suffering and bitterness.

Glory…: The torrent of the passions disturbeth my soul, O all-pure one; yet dry it up by thy supplications, and destroy mine evil thoughts.

Now & ever…: Delivering men, Christ hath issued forth out of Sion, from thy womb, O all-immaculate Mistress; and thereby He hath also delivered me from perils and tribulations.

Then, “Lord, have mercy!”: thrice.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn, in Tone V—

Wherefore, growing despondent, hast thou forgotten thy God, Who hath mercy upon thee, O passion-plagued soul? Despising His precepts, thou hast come in wickedness and prodigality to the end of thy life. But shun evil, crying out to the Theotokos: Have mercy upon mine accursed soul!

Ode VII

Irmos: The supremely exalted Lord of our fathers quenched the flame and bedewed the children, who sang together: Blessed art Thou, O God!

The hordes of the demons fear and tremble before the invocation of thy name, O all-pure one. Deliver me from them, save and preserve me, protecting me from all harm.

Ineffable is thy glory, O Virgin; for thou gavest birth to the Lord of glory. Wherefore, vouchsafe unto me the glory of thy Son and my God, by thy supplications.

Glory…: Incline thine ear to the entreaties of thy servant, O Mistress, and quickly deliver me from tribulations and misfortunes, from all temptations, visible and invisible.

Now& ever…: With purity wash me who am wholly shameful and have bemired and defiled myself with the passions, and make me radiant through the sprinkling of thy supplications, O Virgin.

Ode VIII

Irmos: The children, forming a universal chorus in the furnace, chanted to Thee, the Creator of all: Hymn the Lord, all ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

The passion-plagued water of barrenness hath rendered the womb of my soul fruitless and dried it up. Rain down the divine Dew upon me, O light cloud, that I may bring forth fruits of repentance.

By thy supplications, O all-pure one, calm thou the water and storm of passionate thoughts, and guide me to the stream of dispassion, that I may glorify thee fervently for all ages.

Glory…: O noetic portal, closed gate, which God alone hath passed through: Close and lock the gates of my passions, and open unto me the portals of hope.

Now & ever…: Remove from me the burden of transgressions, O Virgin Mother, who alone ineffably gavest birth to the Lamb and Word of God, Who taketh away all the sin of the world.

Ode IX

Irmos: Rejoice, O Isaiah! The Virgin hath conceived in her womb and borne a Son, Immanuel, both God and man. Orient is His name; and, magnifying Him, we call the Virgin blessed.

Having as a man defiled my soul with many transgressions and bemired it with carnal passions, I now beseech thee earnestly and pray unto thee: From all evil cleanse me, O pure one, by thy supplications.

Thou gavest birth to Him Who willeth mercy, the God of compassions Who loveth mankind, Who alone is Good, Long-suffering and full of lovingkindness. By thine entreaties, O pure one, show Him to be well-disposed toward me, and grant me release from offenses.

Glory…: By thy ceaseless maternal supplications, O Mistress, to the virtues of good works do thou rouse thy servant, who am stuck fast in the slumber of despondency and asleep now in pleasures.

Now & ever…: Blessing, I bless thee, O all-pure one, and I magnify thee fervently. Wherefore, bless me who hymn thee; deliver me from all violence and grief, and by thy hands preserve me invincible.

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 V—

Today the memory of the passion-bearers shineth forth with radiance from the heavens; the choir of the angels keepeth festival, and the human race celebrateth with them. Wherefore, they pray unto the Lord, that our souls find mercy.

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

Thou hast given us an indestructible bulwark, O Christ God: the miracles of Thy holy martyrs. By their supplications make steadfast Thy faithful people, in that Thou art good and lovest mankind.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Rejoice, impassable gate of the Lord! Rejoice, rampart and protection of those who have recourse unto thee! Rejoice, haven untouched by storms, thou that knowest not wedlock, who gavest birth in the flesh to thy Creator and God! Fail not in thy supplications for those who hymn and worship thy birthgiving!

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

Zealous for the cup of Thy sufferings, O Lord, the passion-bearers forsook the beauties of life and became communicants with the angels. Through their entreaties, O Christ, grant peace and great mercy to our souls.

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

The hosts of heaven marveled exceedingly at the corrections of the holy martyrs: how, fighting the good fight in their mortal bodies, they invisibly vanquished the incorporeal foe with the power of the Cross; and they pray unto the Lord, that our souls find mercy.

Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and hast taken to Thyself, O Lord, and their remembrance is unto generation and generation.

Nekrosimon: Unto Thy servants grant rest with the righteous, O our Savior, and cause them to dwell in Thy courts, as it is written, overlooking, in that Thou art good, all their transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, committed in knowledge and in ignorance, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O Christ God Who shone forth from the Virgin and through her hast shown forth children of the light: Have mercy upon us.

Ode I

Canon of the holy martyrs, hierarchs, the venerable and the departed, the acrostic whereof is
“I offer these hymns to Thy servants, O Christ”: the composition of Joseph, in Tone V—

Irmos: The land on which the sun had never shone, and which it had not seen, and the abyss which the expanse of heaven had never seen uncovered, did Israel cross dryshod, O Lord; and Thou didst lead them to the mountain of Thy holiness, as they gave praise and chanted a hymn of victory.

Surrendering your bodies to arrogant judges, ye endured unbearable wounds, O valiant athletes, expecting to receive honors from on high; and Christ led you into the eternal mansions of those who rejoice and chant thy hymn of victory.

The venerable and the righteous, and the holy hierarchs, fulfilling the right glorious precepts of God, pastured the people and guided them to the water of understanding; and they have worthily received torrents of sweetness, pouring forth rivers of healing through grace.

Through the supplications of the all-glorious prophets, of the all-wise hierarchs, and of the sacred women who with manly mind endured mightily and trampled the enemy underfoot by fasting, guide me, O Lord, to the havens of Life, Thee Who appeared on earth by divine grace.

Glory…: Nekrosimon: Thee do we beseech, the God Who is easy to reconcile: Grant rest in the bosom of Abraham unto Thy servants whom Thou hast taken to Thyself from the turmoil of life, and vouchsafe unto them eternal light, overlooking their offenses, in that Thou art good.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: “Rejoice!’’, I cry to thee who gavest birth to Joy, O most hymned one. Enlighten our minds and souls, and guide all in the steps of understanding, and entreat thy Son and God, that He grant cleansing of transgressions unto all, O only Bride of God.

Another canon, of the departed, chanted after the foregoing canon when no Menaion is 
available, the acrostic whereof is “The fifth canon of Theophanes for the dead”, in Tone V—

Irmos: To God the Savior, Who led His people in the sea with dryshod feet and drowned Pharaoh and all his army, let us chant alone, for He is glorious.

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

With divine love the passion-bearers of Christ trampled the pride of the tyrants under-foot; and with faith they ask prayerful remission and rest for the departed.

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

Cause the departed to dwell in Thy holy habitations and courts, O Christ Master, Who shed Thine all-precious blood to redeem our debt.

Glory…: The Wisdom of God, Compassionate One Who beareth the express impress of the Father: Unto those whom Thou hast taken to Thyself grant rest, imparting everlasting blessedness unto them.

Now & ever…: O most immaculate one, thou hast been shown to be the splendid tabernacle, the golden ark containing the divine Word Who was incarnate for our sake, and destroyed the power of death.

Ode III

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: O Lord, make steadfast my heart, which is buffeted by the waves of life, guiding it into calm harbor, in that Thou art God.

Ye spared not your bodies when they were beaten with staves and dismembered by the sword, O most lauded warrior martyrs, who were strengthened by the hope of everlasting good things.

Ye enlightened the vesture of the hierarchy, shepherding the flock of Christ in the fields of life through the virtues.

Mortifying the flesh through asceticism, the venerable ones shared in life divine. By their sacred prayers, O Christ, deliver us from misfortunes.

Glory…: Nekrosimon: Unto those who have fallen asleep grant heavenly rest, O Thou Who lovest mankind, remitting the debts they incurred upon earth, in that Thou art good.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: As they beheld thee, who art blessed among women, the company of women suffered and were taken to thy Son, O Virgin Mother.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: Establish us by Thy power, O God our Savior, and lift high the horn of the Church of those who praise Thee in Orthodox manner.

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

Struggling manfully, the athletes withstood the assaults of the tyrants; and they pray to Christ in behalf of those who have fallen asleep.

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

Receiving in Thy splendid mansions those who were nurtured on Thy laws and have reposed, grant them rest, O Good One.

Glory…: O only merciful God, vouchsafe the splendors of the saints unto those whom Thou hast taken, overlooking their offenses.

Now & ever…: O pure one, we hymn thy birthgiving, whereby we have been delivered from the primal condemnation and curse and have been freed from death.

Ode IV

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: I heard report of Thee, O Lord, and was afraid; I understood Thy dispensation, and glorified Thee, Who alone lovest mankind.

By Thy power, O Lord, the passion-bearers trampled the power of the enemy underfoot, and became for the faithful might and great confirmation.

All the venerable now rejoice with great joy, and the divine priests are clothed in righteousness as in a garment.

Let us all hymn the divinely eloquent prophets of God, and let us honor the company of women who ran well the good race.

Glory…: Nekrosimon: Guiding to the harbor of Thy kingdom those whom Thou hast taken from the tumult and tempest of this present life, O Master, grant them rest.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: Through thee, O Virgin, hath the Timeless One now come under time. Him do thou entreat, that He free my soul from the transgressions I have committed in time.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, of Thine arising from the tomb, and have glorified Thine invincible power.

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

Piously confessing Thee to be equally eternal with the Father, O Christ, the martyrs were slain; and they cry out to Thee: Deliver Thy servants, whom Thou hast taken to Thyself, O Christ!

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

As the only mortal free among the dead, O Christ, grant rest to Thy servants now departed, giving life everlasting to mortals.

Glory…: O Christ Who earnest to save the lost, grant a dwelling-place in paradise unto those departed in faith, O Thou Who dost justify men by grace.

Now & ever…: The power of the Most High overshadowed thee, O Maiden, and made of thee a paradise of life, having the Lord and Mediator as a tree in thy midst.

Ode V

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: Anticipating my need, take pity on my wretched soul, which doth battle at night with the darkness of the passions, and shine forth in me the noetic sun of the day-star, that I may distinguish night from light.

The bones of the martyrs pour forth healing upon the infirm, for, unbroken by malice, they restore our broken state and grind to dust all the bones of ungodliness.

Observing Thy laws, the holy hierarchs shepherded the people and guided them to the life which is to come, O Compassionate One; and the venerable ones slew the tyranny of the passions with perfect mind.

Let the prophets be honored, and with them all who were righteous by faith; and let the divine women who lived in holiness and shone forth on earth through their torments be praised as servants of Christ.

Glory…: Nekrosimon: Thy faithful servants, whom Thou hast taken from earth, do Thou number in the mansions of heaven, overlooking their transgressions, O Christ Who in Thine exceeding goodness wast incarnate for the sake of us mortals.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: We hymn thee, O Virgin, through whom God appeared to those who earth, becoming man; and we cry out: Rejoice, O right fertile ground who produceth the mystic Grain Who feedeth every creature!

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: Rising at dawn, we cry to Thee: Save us, O Lord! for Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.

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

Accepting the entreaties of the martyrs, O Lord, among the elect number the souls whom Thou hast received.

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

Thou didst foretell that those who believe on Thee will not see death, O Master; wherefore, grant rest to the departed.

Glory…: Vouchsafe that Thy servants receive the beauty of Thy house, O Lord, and a share in delight.

Now & ever…: O Word Who art equally eternal with the Father and wast incarnate of the Virgin: Thou hast slain death by death.

Ode VI

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: As Thou didst deliver the prophet from the beast, O Lord, so lead me up from the abyss of unrestrained pleasures, that I may dare to lift up mine eyes upon Thy holy temple.

Surrendering their bodies into the hands of the torturers to be wounded, the divine martyrs rejoiced in soul; for they truly beheld divine and everlasting joy and divine rewards.

O Christ, Thou art the glory of the all-wise holy hierarchs and the venerable. Through their supplications have pity on Thy people, whom Thou hast acquired by Thy blood, in that Thou lovest mankind.

Illumined in mind by Thee, O Lord, the prophets clearly reveal things far distant as though they were close; and by Thy power have women destroyed the dominion of the enemy through suffering and fasting.

Glory…: Nekrosimon: Numbering Thy faithful servants, who have departed from us, among the choirs of the elect, O good Lord, grant them rest, overlooking all their offenses in Thy lovingkindness.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: O Lord Who created Eve in the beginning, and entered the Virgin’s womb: Having clothed Thyself in the form of a servant Thou workest our restoration, O Master of all.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: The abyss engulfed me, and the sea monster became a tomb for me; yet I cried unto Thee Who lovest mankind, and Thy right hand saved me, O Lord.

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

The army of Thy martyrs, likening themselves to the hosts on high, beseech Thee, O Christ: Unto those who have departed grant the bliss which cometh from Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

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

In that Thou lovest mankind, O Christ, number Thy servants, whom Thou hast taken to Thyself, in places of coolness, in places of the splendor of the saints, in places of ease.

Glory…: Cleanse Thy servants, and grant them forgiveness of offenses, O Thou Who lovest mankind; and vouchsafe unto them life incorruptible and a blessed inheritance.

Now & ever…: Who can recount in words the wonder of thy seedless conception, O most immaculate one; for thou gavest birth unto God. Who came to us in His lovingkindness.

Ode VII

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: The prayer of the children quenched the fire; and the dew-bearing furnace was the herald of a miracle, for it neither consumed nor burned those who hymned the God of our fathers.

Set aflame with the fire of cruel torments, O glorious martyrs, ye showed most ardent love for the Lord, which cooleth you with the understanding of piety.

Having adorned yourselves with the wisdom of the Spirit, and lived splendid lives, ye performed the sacred acts of the grace of the Gospel; and we praise you as ministers of God.

O venerable ones, who mortified the flesh with many pangs, ye have been vouchsafed the life to come, praying that we who have been slain by the assaults of the passions may receive it.

With faith let the blessed choir of the prophets of God and the council of women, who struggled in asceticism and by suffering cast down the enemy, be praised.

Glory…: Nekrosimon: O Word Who gavest a share in the life of all unto the dead, who have now left behind the turmoil of life: them do Thou guide to Thy divine haven, overlooking their offenses, O Good One.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: Let us, who with upright mind understand thee to be the Theotokos, be delivered by thy mediation from darkness and the invisible foes who wage war upon us, O Mistress.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: Blessed is the God of our fathers, Who saved the children who chanted unto Him in the fiery furnace.

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

O Savior, grant that those who have departed may now partake of light unapproachable, through the entreaties of Thy passion-bearers.

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

O compassionate Christ, reckon those who have departed in faith among the Church of the firstborn.

Glory…: O Savior, grant rest unto Thy servants who have departed unto Thee, adorning them with the raiment of incorruption.

Now & ever…: Having conceived Life without seed, O most immaculate one, thou didst staunch the flow of the essence of death.

Ode VIII

Canon of All Saints

Irmos: Ye assembly of angels and council of men, ye priests, hymn the King and Creator of all! Ye Levites, bless Him! Ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Navigating the deep of torments with the rudder of the Word, O athletes, ye drowned all the hordes of the deceiver in the outpouring of your blood, and live forever.

As all-wise sacred ministers, by the waters of Orthodoxy ye nurtured in sacred manner the flock entrusted to you; and ye truly delight in sweet torrents of beauty.

Having done the works of light, O venerable ones, ye were revealed to the faithful as lamps, and have passed over to the divine Effulgence. Pray ye to the Master, that He free us from darkness.

Be glad, O company of women who through wounds received the fullness of all honors! Rejoice forever, O choir of the prophets, and ye righteous who were pleasing unto Christ!

Glory…: Nekrosimon: Grant, O Master, that Thy servants who have departed this life may without hindrance pass by the sword which is now withdrawn, causing them to dwell in paradise, in that Thou alone art merciful.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: Let us hymn the joyous Virgin Mary as the gate leading to the divine entry, the easily mounted ladder of God, the unerring guide for those who seek salvation.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: The Son and God, Who was begotten of the Father before the ages, and in latter times became incarnate of the Virgin Mother, hymn, ye priests, and exalt supremely for all ages!

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

We hymn Thee, O Savior, Who acceptest the struggles of the holy martyrs, for their sake granting peace unto those who have departed in the Faith; and let us exalt Him supremely for all ages!

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

As Thou art compassionate, O Savior, vouchsafe that those who have departed from us, and who hymn and exalt Thee supremely for all ages, may be illumined by the radiance of Thy heavenly glory.

Glory…: Reckon with the choirs of the saints those whom Thou hast taken to Thyself, O Savior, and number them with Lazarus in the bosom of Abraham, for they hymn and exalt Thee supremely for all ages.

Now & ever…: Thou wast adorned with the beauty of purity, O Virgin Mother, becoming the habitation of the magnificence of the virtues; wherefore, we hymn and supremely exalt thee, the pure one, for all ages.

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: In that the Mighty One hath done great things to thee, revealing thee to be a pure virgin even after giving birth, as thou gavest birth to thine own Creator without seed, we therefore magnify thee, O Theotokos.

Let the sacred ministers and pastors, the choir of the holy prophets, the countless multitude of the righteous and the assembly of the martyrs be blessed with sacred hymns, for they pray that our souls be saved.

The wondrous council of the venerable, having struggled all-wisely in asceticism, hath now been rendered wondrous by many displays of miracles. By their supplications, O wondrous Lord, show forth the wonder of Thy mercy upon all.

With faith and love let the countless multitude of women who suffered and fasted, and who abide with the angelic choirs, be blessed with the hieromartyrs who finished well the race.

Glory…: Nekrosimon: The multitude of all the saints entreateth Thee, O Word: In the magnitude of Thy mercy grant rest to the multitudes who with faith have passed from the earth, and overlook the offenses they committed during their life.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: In sickness of mind I committed many sins, O Virgin, and torment awaiteth me in the future. Deliver me therefrom, for I come to thee with unwavering heart, and I call upon thy divine protection.

Canon of the Departed

Irmos: With oneness of mind, we, the faithful, magnify thee, the Mother of God, who, in manner past understanding and recounting, ineffably gavest birth in time to the Timeless One.

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

Having received rewards for their sacred sufferings, the martyrs now beseech Thee to grant surcease unto those who have departed in faith, O Savior.

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

Thou didst endure death, O only immortal Savior, granting resurrection and the radiance of immortality unto the dead, in that Thou art compassionate.

Glory…: Thou didst set us aright who have fallen into death, and didst teach us to hope for life everlasting, which do Thou grant that Thy servants may receive.

Now & ever…: The shadows of the Law passed away at thy birthgiving, O Theotokos; truth shone forth, and grace was bestowed; wherefore, we magnify thee.

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 V—

Blessed is the army of the King of heaven, for though the passion-bearers were mortals, yet did they strive to attain the dignity of the angels; and they spurned the pangs of their bodies, and by their sufferings were vouchsafed the honor of the incorporeal ones. Wherefore, by their supplications, O Lord, send down upon us great mercy.

Thy passion-bearers, O Lord, emulators of the angelic ranks, endured tortures as though incorporeal, in oneness of mind possessed of the hope that they would enjoy the good things promised them. By their supplications, O Christ God, grant peace to Thy world and great mercy to our souls.

Struggling on earth, the holy martyrs endured the cold and gave themselves over to the fire. And as the waters received them their cry was: “We went through fire and water, and Thou didst bring us out into refreshment!” By their supplications, O Christ God, have mercy upon us!

Rejoicing in the midst of their torments, the saints cried out: “These things are wares for us to trade with the Lord: for, instead of the wounds we bear on our bodies, radiant vesture shall blossom forth for us unto our resurrection; instead of dishonor, we shall receive crowns; instead of fetters in prison, we shall receive paradise; and instead of condemnation with malefactors, we shall have life with the angels!” By their supplications, O Lord, save Thou our souls!

Nekrosimon: O Lord Who created me, Thou didst set Thy hand upon me, and commanding me didst say: “Thou shalt return unto the earth”: Guide me to Thy right path, forgiving me my transgressions; and absolve and save me, I pray, in that Thou lovest mankind.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Alas, O my wretched soul! What reply wilt thou have to give to the Judge at that hour when the thrones are set for judgment and the Judge cometh from the heavens, descending with myriads of angels? When He sitteth down in His judgment seat to try His unprofitable servants like me, what shalt thou answer? What then shalt thou bring forward? Truly naught, for thou hast defiled thy mind and body. Wherefore, fall down before the Virgin, and cry out unceasingly, that she may grant thee abundant forgiveness of sins!

Aposticha stichera of the departed, in Tone V.· Special Melody: “Rejoice,…”—

With the light of Thy countenance, O Christ, enlighten those who have departed, in that Thou art compassionate. Cause them to dwell in a place of verdure, by the waters of Thy pure and divine place of rest, in the longed-for bosom of our forefather Abraham, where Thy light shineth in purity and springs of beneficence pour forth, and where in gladness the assemblies of all the righteous clearly join chorus in thy goodness. Number Thy servants with them, granting them great mercy.

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

O Compassionate One, be Thou well-pleased that those who have passed from transitory things unto Thee, the Master of all and our God, may with most harmonious voices hymn and glorify Thy might; and grant that they may be enlightened by Thy beauty, and most purely partake of sweet and beautiful communion with Thee, where the angels dance around Thy throne and the choirs of the saints joyously stand round about. Grant rest with them and great mercy unto Thy servants.

Stichos: Their souls shall dwell amid good things.

Unto those departed in faith grant rest where is the choir of the prophets, and the ranks of the martyrs, and those from times past, who were justified by Thy saving Passion and the blood wherewith Thou didst redeem captive man, in that Thou lovest mankind, forgiving their offenses; for, truly Holy, Thou alone didst live on earth without sinning, Thou alone wast free among the dead. Unto Thy servants grant rest and great mercy.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Having conceived Christ the King, the Bestower of life, in thy womb, O only Virgin Mother and Mistress, thou didst free us who were enslaved by the law of sin, and thus have we been freely justified by grace. Entreat Him now, that in the book of life He enroll the souls of those who acknowledge thee to be the Theotokos, that, saved by thy mediation, O most immaculate one, we may receive loving deliverance from thy Son, worshipping Him Who granteth the world great mercy.

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 V—

Believing Thee to be God, the thief on the cross confessed Thee, O Christ, crying out in purity from the depths of his heart: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom!

Dying, O martyrs, ye destroyed the enemy, the author of evil, and, crowned with divine victories, ye mounted on high, where ye stand before God, the King of all.

Illumined by the light of the priesthood, O holy hierarchs, ye were glorified; and the multitude of the venerable have received life ever-lasting. Wherefore, they are blessed.

Those whom Thou hast taken to Thyself, O Master, do Thou cause to dwell with the choirs of the elect in a place of ease, overlooking, O Christ the Word, the offenses they committed on earth.

Glory…: O worshipful Trinity, be Thou entreated by the struggles of the holy hierarchs and honored martyrs; and grant salvation and great mercy unto the souls of those who departed in faith.

Now & ever…: O divinely joyous one, thou didst contain Him Whom naught can contain. Having given birth to Him in manner past nature and recounting, beseech Him, O Mistress, to be merciful unto all.

The End of Tone V