Tone VI

Sunday

Saturday Evening at Little Vespers

On “Lord, I have cried…”: 4 stichera, the composition of our venerable father John of Damascus, in Tone VI—

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

Gaining victory over hades, Thou didst ascend the Cross, that Thou mightest raise up with Thyself those who sit in the darkness of death, O Christ Who art free among the dead. O almighty Savior, Who pourest forth life from Thy light, have mercy on us!

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

The foregoing sticheron is repeated.

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

Today hath Christ risen as He said, having trampled down death; and He hath granted joy to the world, that all of us, crying out, may thus utter a hymn: O almighty Savior, Well-spring of life, unapproachable Light, have mercy on us!

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

Whither can we sinners escape from Thee Who art over all creation, O Lord? Thou dwellest Thyself in heaven. In hades Thou didst trample down death. In the depths of the sea, there is Thy hand, O Master. To Thee do we flee, and falling down before Thee, we pray: O Thou Who art risen from the dead, have mercy on us!

Glory…, Now & ever…: Dogmatic theotokion—

Meet it is in truth to bless thee, the Theotokos. For the Creator of all, entering into thine all-pure womb, became flesh, without changing in nature or merely appearing to have taken on His dispensation of incarnation, but having united Himself hypostatically and rationally to flesh with a soul, which He received of thee. Hence, we piously distinguish between both revealed natures. Him do thou entreat, O all-pure and honored one, that He send down upon us peace and great mercy.

Then, “O gladsome Light…”. the Prokimenon, “The Lord is king…”: with its stichoi. And after “Vouchsafe, O Lord…”, the priest doth not intone the litanies, but we chant the first sticheron of the resurrectional aposticha—

The angels hymn Thy resurrection in the heavens, O Christ our Savior; and do Thou vouchsafe that we on earth may glorify Thee with a pure heart.

And these other stichera, of the Theotokos, in Tone VI: Special Melody: “Having placed all their hope”—

Stichos: I shall commemorate thy name in every generation and generation.

As our timeless God of old promised with an oath to thy forefather Adam, so did He act in latter times, O all-pure one, issuing forth from thy divine womb; for the Lord Who holdeth all the ends of the earth in His hand truly shone forth from thee. Him do thou render well-disposed toward me at the hour of judgment, O Virgin Mary, that I may obtain His kingdom through the uplifting of the virtues and the mortification of the passions.

Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.

From afar off, with purity of mind, Isaiah foretold thee who wouldst give birth to the Maker of all creation, O honored and all-pure Virgin; for thou alone hast been shown to be forever most immaculate. Wherefore, I pray thee: Cleanse thou my defiled soul, and show me to have a share in the divine effulgence and a place at the right hand of thy divine Son when, as it is written, He will sit to judge the whole world.

Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.

The destruction of death hath been made manifest through thy birthgiving, for thou, O Maiden, art the abode of Life incorruptible. Wherefore, I entreat thee: To gladness and life do thou raise me up who lie amid the hellish tomb of my passions, O Virgin; guide me to the blessed reward, and count me worthy of the divine joy which perisheth not, where delight is everlasting and light is never-waning.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Dogmatic theotokion, in the same tone—

Come, all ye nations, and with a cry of rejoicing let us praise the all-holy Virgin and Theotokos, the crucible of human nature, the workshop of ineffable miracles; for new things have come to pass through her: the Unoriginate taketh on a beginning, the Word receiveth substance, God becometh man, that He might make man divine, not by altering nature, but through enhypostatic union. For He alone proceedeth from two different natures, being known in two perfect natures indivisibly, and in both substances as to will and energy. Christ our God hath Himself given surety of the truth of the dispensation of salvation, granting the world cleansing, peace and great mercy.

Then, “Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart…”: Trisagion, through Our Father…, the resurrectional troparion, Glory…, Now & ever…, its theotokion. Little litany, and Dismissal.

Saturday Evening at Great Vespers

After the Introductory Psalm, the usual chanting from the Psalter.

On “Lord, I have cried…”: 10 stichera. If the Menaion hath a doxasticon, it is chanted on Glory…. If there is no doxasticon, we chant Glory…, Now & ever…, the dogmaticon of the tone.

The Resurrectional Stichera, in Tone VI—

Stichos: Bring my soul out of prison, that I may confess Thy name.

Gaining victory over hades, Thou didst ascend the Cross, that Thou mightest raise up with Thyself those who sit in the darkness of death, O Christ Who art free among the dead. O almighty Savior, Who pourest forth life from Thy light, have mercy on us!

Stichos: The righteous shall wait patiently for me until Thou shalt reward me.

Today hath Christ risen as He said, having trampled down death; and He hath granted joy to the world, that all of us, crying out, may thus utter a hymn: O almighty Savior, Well-spring of life, unapproachable Light, have mercy on us! Stichos: Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.

Whither can we sinners escape from Thee Who art over all creation, O Lord? Thou dwellest Thyself in heaven. In hades Thou didst trample down death. In the depths of the sea there is Thy hand, O Master. To Thee do we flee, and falling down before Thee, we pray: O Thou Who art risen from the dead, have mercy on us!

Stichos: Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

In Thy Cross do we boast, Christ, and we hymn and glorify Thy resurrection; for Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.

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

Continuously blessing the Lord, we hymn His resurrection; for, having endured the Cross, He destroyed death by death.

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.

Glory to Thy power, O Lord; for Thou didst set at naught him who hath the might of death. By Thy Cross hast Thou renewed us, granting us life and incorruption.

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

Thy burial, O Lord, breaking the bonds of hades, hath rent them asunder. By Thy rising from the dead Thou hast enlightened the world. O Lord, glory be to Thee!

And these stichera of the all-holy Theotokos, the composition of Paul of Amorium, which are chanted when there is no Menaion, or at Litia. In Tone III—

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

Beholding the infirmity of my body, the suffering of my soul, and the affliction of my heart, do thou vouchsafe me divine visitation, O most immaculate Virgin. Save me, I pray thee, by thy fervent supplications.

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

O Mistress, I have surpassed all in mine offenses. But having cleansed away the multitude thereof, vouchsafe me to obtain mercy at the judgment of thy Son and God, which is to come, O pure Virgin.

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

Of the multitude of mine offenses do thou cleanse me who cry out, O pure one, and with the sword of prayer cut down the confused movement of my senses, that with faith and love I may hymn thy seedless birthgiving.

Glory…: from the Menaion.

Now & ever…: The dogmatic theotokion—

Who doth not call thee blessed, O all-holy Virgin? Who will not hymn thine all-pure birthgiving? For the only-begotten Son Who shone forth timelessly from the Father, came forth, ineffably incarnate, from thee, the pure one; and being God by nature, He became man by nature for our sake, not divided into two Persons, but known in two natures without confusion. Him do thou beseech, O pure and most blessed one, that our souls find mercy!

Entrance. “O gladsome Light…” And after the Entrance, the appointed server, having made the usual bow to the superior, chanteth the daily Prokimenon, in Tone VI—

The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty.

Stichos: The Lord is clothed with strength and He hath girt Himself.

Stichos: For He established the world which shall not be shaken.

Stichos: Holiness becometh Thy house, O Lord, unto length of days.

Then the usual litany. “Vouchsafe, O Lord…” The litany: “Let us complete our evening prayer…”, and the rest. And after the exclamation, we chant the sticheron idiomelon of the feast of the church, and performing Litia in the narthex, we chant the stichera of Paul of Amorium, or whatever the superior desireth. And after the usual prayers, we enter the church proper, chanting the aposticha stichera, in Tone VI—

The angels hymn Thy resurrection in the heavens, O Christ our Savior; and do Thou vouchsafe that we on earth may glorify Thee with a pure heart.

Stichos: The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty.

Having broken down the gates of bronze and shattered the gates of hades, as God almighty Thou didst raise up the fallen human race. Wherefore, we cry out together: O Lord Who art risen from the dead, glory be to Thee!

Stichos: For He established the world which shall not be shaken.

Desiring to lift us up from our ancient corruption, Christ was nailed to the Cross and laid in the tomb; and with tears the myrrh-bearing women sought Him, and weeping they said: “Alas, O Savior of all! How is it that Thou hast willed to make Thine abode in a tomb? And having desired to dwell there, how is it that Thou hast been stolen away? How hast Thou been moved? What place concealeth Thy life-bearing body? Yet, as Thou hast promised, reveal Thyself to us, O Master, and take from us the lamentation of tears!” And as they were weeping, an angel cried out to them: “Cease your weeping! Tell the apostles that the Lord is risen, granting purification and great mercy to the world!”

Stichos: Holiness becometh Thy house, O Lord, unto length of days.

O Christ, Who wast crucified as Thou didst desire, and madest death captive by Thy burial, Thou didst rise on the third day as God in glory, granting the world never-ending life and great mercy.

Glory…, from the Menaion, if there is a doxasticon provided. If not, Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Christ the Lord, my Creator and Deliverer, Who came forth from thy womb, O all-pure one, and robed Himself in me, hath freed Adam from the primal curse. Wherefore, like the angel do we unceasingly cry out to thee, O most pure one, who art truly the Mother of God and Virgin: Rejoice! Rejoice, O Mistress, thou intercession, protection and salvation for our souls!

Then, “Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart…” Trisagion through Our Father.

Resurrectional troparion, in Tone VI—

Angelic powers were upon Thy tomb, and those who were on guard became as dead. And Mary stood in thy tomb, seeking Thine all-pure body. Thou didst make hades captive without being tested thereby. And Thou didst greet the Virgin, granting life. O Lord Who art risen from the dead, glory be to Thee!

Theotokion:

O Thou Who hast called Thy Mother blessed, Thou didst go to Thy suffering with a free will, and didst shine forth upon the Cross, desiring to seek out Adam. And Thou didst say to the angels: Rejoice with Me, for I have found the lost coin! O our God Who hast ordered all things in Thy wisdom, glory to Thee!

And the rest of the service followeth in order. 

Saturday Night at Compline

The priest saith: Blessed is our God…, and we respond: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. O heavenly King…, Trisagion through Our Father. Lord, have mercy (12 times). Glory…, Now & ever…O come, let us worship…(thrice). Psalm50 (Have mercy on me, O God…); Psalm 69 (O God, be attentive unto helping me…);andPsalm142 (O Lord, hear my prayer). Then, Glory to God in the highest…, and the Symbol of Faith (I believe in one God…).

Canon of supplication to the All-holy Theotokos, in Tone VI—

Ode I

Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of victory!

In that thou art possessed of abundant divine grace, O Mother who knewest not wedlock, disdain not those who have recourse unto thee, ever saving them from misfortunes and tribulations.

Lo! the time of despair hath arrived for me. Arise, O all-pure Mistress, and extend unto me thy helping hand; for thou hast filled the world with divine gladness.

Glory…: As thou art our ally, O Theotokos, quickly grant thy mighty protection unto me who am beset by perils, and preserve me unharmed by them.

Now & ever…: Death rusheth headlong upon my soul, and the temptations of those who hate me have surrounded me like adders, to destroy me; but do thou save me, O Theotokos.

Ode III

Irmos: My mouth hath been enlarged over mine enemies, for my heart hath been made steadfast in the Lord.

In that thou gavest birth to Life, O Theotokos, enliven my soul, which hath been slain by transgressions.

From every temptation preserve those who have recourse unto thee, O Theotokos, our hope. Glory…: Save me from those perils which rise up bitterly against me, O all-immaculate Mother of my Lord.

Now & ever…: O thou who by thy divine birthgiving dost grant salvation to the world, deliver me from misfortunes.

Ode IV

Irmos: The prophet heard of Thine advent, O Lord, and was afraid, for Thou didst desire to be born of the Virgin and reveal Thyself to men; and he said: “I heard report of Thee and was afraid.” Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

The strength of my soul hath grown weak through poverty, O Theotokos, and the cruel darkness which ariseth from transgressions hath fallen upon me; but as thou art the light-bearing cloud of God, look down and illumine me, I pray.

As thou art a calm haven, O most immaculate one, transform the storms of mine evil deeds and the tumult of my transgressions into the tranquility of salvation, for, roaring like lions, they seek to slay me. Deliver me from destruction by them, I pray.

Glory…: As thou art steadfast salvation and invincible protection day and night, on land and at sea, and in every place, O Theotokos, save me; for after God it is in thee that we Christians truly place our trust.

Now & ever…: From great and divers transgressions and dangers thou dost ever save me; wherefore, I entreat thee who gavest birth to the Lord, and I hasten to thee, the invincible aid of the sorrowful: By thy supplications lead me up from misfortunes!

Ode V

Irmos: O Christ Who shineth Thy light upon the world, illumine the heart of me who cry to Thee out of the night, and save me.

Unafraid of the assaults of men, we glorify thee, the shelter of salvation, O most immaculate Mother of the Word.

Having thee as an insuperable rampart, O all-pure one, we are delivered from the uprisings of temptations and grief.

Glory…: Rescue me from the tongue of evil men, O pure one, for they have sharpened it like a razor, to wreak bitter destruction upon my soul.

Now & ever…: Earnestly do I fall down before thee, praying: As thou art the Mother of my Creator, free me from the misfortunes which encompass me.

Ode VI

Irmos: Slain by the monster of sin, I cry to Thee, O Christ: Free me from corruption, as Thou didst the prophet.

Tasting bitterness, I have become a stranger to divine sweetness, O all-pure one; wherefore, I cry unto thee: Grant me thy help. The darkness of the passions hath made me the slave of corruption; wherefore, free me, O Mistress who gavest birth to the Light.

Glory…: With faith and concord do I confess thee, O all-pure one, and, delivered from sorrow by thee, I offer thee sacrifice.

Now & ever…: The mouths of the unjust have been opened against me, O Mistress; wherefore, as thou art my helper, free me quickly from them.

Then, Lord, have mercy! Thrice. Glory…, Now & ever…Kontakion, in Tone VI—

O unashamed intercession for Christians, sure mediation before the Creator: Disdain not the cries of entreaty of Christians, but, in that thou art good, come thou to the aid of us who cry out to thee with faith: Haste thou to supplication and speed thou to entreaty, O Theotokos, ever interceding for those who honor thee.

Ode VII

Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldæans, prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

O all-holy Virgin, do thou thyself free my soul from the temptations which have now surrounded it like fat bulls.

Earnestly defending those in misfortune and grief, O Theotokos, ever grant them joy.

Glory…: As thou art an indestructible shelter for all, O Virgin, protect me who am wholly overcome by grief and despair for my deeds.

Now & ever…: By thine intercession are we delivered from misfortunes and sorrows, and we find great riches which are inexhaustible.

Ode VIII

Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones, and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou, O Christ, dost do all things soever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt supremely for all ages!

Consumed am I by the afflictions of men, O Theotokos, and I pray: Deliver me from their vain counsel.

I have been vanquished in grief by my temptations, O Mistress, and I pray: Preserve me unharmed by them.

Glory…: O pure one, save me from the lying man, from his tongue, mouth and tyranny, and from all want.

Now & ever…: Led astray is my character, and, as I have no response, I cry to the Theotokos: Deliver me from all evils.

Ode IX

Irmos: O Virgin who received the angel’s salutation and gavest birth to thine own Creator, save those who magnify thee.

Be thou merciful unto me amid the griefs of life, O Theotokos, and save me from misfortunes who now flee unto thee.

Truly thou, alone upon the earth and the sea, hast been shown to be an indestructible shelter for those who flee to thee with unwavering soul.

Glory…: By thine entreaties, O most hymned one, do thou grant freedom unto me who have mindlessly become a slave through all manner of evil falls.

Now & ever…: Having acquired thee as my hope and steadfast help, O pure one, I bring this hymn to an end with faith, magnifying thee as the Theotokos.

Then, “It is truly meet…”, and the rest as usual. Dismissal. 

Sunday Morning at Nocturns

The priest saith: “Blessed is our God…”: and we say: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. O heavenly King…Trisagion through Our Father…Priest: For Thine is the kingdom…And we say: Amen. Lord, have mercy (12 times), Glory…, Now & ever…, O come, let us worship (thrice). Psalm 50 (Have mercy on me, O God…)

And then, the Canon to the Holy & Life-creating Trinity, the acrostic whereof is 
“I offer a sixth hymn unto Thee, O Godhead”: the composition of Metrophanes, in Tone VI—

Ode I

Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and beholding the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of victory!

Refrain: O all-holy Trinity our God, glory to Thee!

We hymn the three divine Hypostases, the immutable form of the single nature, the good God Who loveth mankind, Who granteth us cleansing of our transgressions.

O Transcendent One, O Lord thrice-resplendent in Thy characters, Who art in a single Godhead: Grant us understanding, and vouchsafe us Thy divine radiance.

Glory…: Paul, who adorned the Church of the nations as it were a bride, hath taught us to worship Thee, the one God in three Hypostases, by Whom, through Whom and in Whom all things have come into being.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: The noetic Sun issued forth from thy womb, O Theotokos, and hath illumined us with the rays of the thrice-radiant Godhead; and hymning Him, we piously call thee blessed.

Ode III

Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted the horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of Thee, O Good One.

Having adorned the ranks of heaven, O thrice-radiant God, Thou didst appoint them to hymn Thee with thrice-holy voices. With them accept us also, who hymn Thy goodness.

Hymning the one, immutable, threefold, single Godhead, possessing the same form, we pray fervently unto Thee, that Thou now send down upon us forgiveness of our many sins.

Glory…: O Father, unoriginate Mind, O Word of God of like form with Him, and Thou, O Spirit, divine, good and upright: In that Thou art compassionate, preserve those who with faith hymn Thy might.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: Having become human in nature within thy womb, O pure one, my God destroyed the field of death. He alone hath freed our progenitors from their former condemnation.

Lord, have mercy! Thrice

Sessional hymn, in Tone VI: Special Melody: “Fulfilling the dispensation concerning us…”—

Look down from heaven, O God our Master, and behold our lowliness; and in that Thou art compassionate, O all-good One Who lovest mankind, take pity on us: for from nowhere else can we hope to receive the forgiveness of the evils which we have committed. Wherefore, be Thou with us, and no one shall be against us.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O pure Mistress Theotokos, look down and behold the pangs of our wounds; and take pity, O all-pure one, and heal the burning of our conscience, bedewing it with thy mercy, and crying out to thy servants: I am with you, and no one shall be against you!

Ode IV

Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honored Church doth sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival in the Lord.

Elevating the thoughts of those who hymn Thee, O thrice-radiant Unity, quickly uplift also their soul and heart, and vouchsafe unto them Thy radiance and effulgence.

Change and transform me from all evil unto virtue, O only undepictable and immutable Trinity, and enlighten me with Thy rays.

Glory…: Taking thought before, Thou didst wisely form the ranks of the angels, the ministers of Thy goodness, O Unity in three Hypostases; and with them accept my praise.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: Assuming created human nature, God, Who by nature is uncreated and eternal, fashioned it anew in thy holy womb, O Ever-virgin Theotokos.

Ode V

Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of those who with love rise at dawn unto Thee, I pray Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, to be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.

Pondering the essence of the Godhead, which is providential and salvific for all, which is thrice-radiant and one, O Master, we rise early unto Thee, asking forgiveness for our falls into sin.

O God, consubstantial Trinity — unoriginate Father, equally eternal Son, and Holy Spirit — make steadfast those who hymn Thee, and deliver them from all peril and affliction.

Glory…: Setting me aright with divine effulgences, and ever guiding me to please Thy Godhead in three Hypostases, O Sun of glory, make me to share in the divine kingdom.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: O immutable Word of God, Who beareth and preserveth all with Thine almighty arm, protect and preserve those who glorify Thee, through the supplications of the Mother of God, who gave Thee birth.

Ode VI

Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from corruption, O greatly Merciful One!

Grant wisdom and understanding unto those who hymn Thee, O thrice-radiant Godhead, and vouchsafe that all may be illumined by the rays of Thine illumining beauty and goodness. Twice

Glory…: O thrice-radiant, omnipotent and unapproachable Light, Who art indivisible in Thine essence, illumine the hearts of those who with faith praise Thy might, and give them wings to fly aloft to love divine.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: In thee did the Almighty Lord of all manifestly make His abode, O Ever-virgin; and He hath taught men to worship the one, thrice-radiant form of the Godhead.

Lord, have mercy! Thrice

Sessional hymn, in Tone VI: Special Melody: “Fulfilling the dispensation concerning us…”—

O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, look down upon us who worship Thee with faith, and who, though we are clay, with the fiery beings glorify Thy might, O Compassionate One; for we know no other God than Thee. And do Thou cry out unto those who hymn Thee: I am with you, and no one shall be against you!

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Look upon us, O most hymned Theotokos, let enlightenment shine upon the hearts of the benighted, and illumine thy flock, O all-pure one; for whatsoever thou desirest, thou canst do, in that thou art the Mother of thy Creator. And do thou cry out unto those who pray to thee: I am with you, and no one shall be against you!

Ode VII

Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldæans, prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

O thrice radiant Unity of Persons, instill within me the firm resolve to keep and preserve Thy divine commandments, and ever to hymn Thee with faith, singing: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

O ineffably single God, Who art hymned in the infinity of Thy nature, yet hearest the number of a trinity of Persons, preserve us all from divers temptations and evil circumstances.

Glory…: Manifestly and simply setting forth that which is distinct within the immutable Form, we glorify Thee, O Trinity, the consubstantial and coeternal God, Who art One in essence and unconfused as to the characteristics of Thy Hypostases.

Now & ever…: In His love for mankind, the transcendent God manifestly assumed our substance from thy womb, O all-pure one, and hath taught all to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Ode VIII

Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones, and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou, O Christ, dost do all things soever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt supremely for all ages!

Quickly grant me cleansing of transgressions and deliverance from multifarious passions, O Trinity one in nature, Unity in three Hypostases, that I may glorify Thee for all ages. O thrice-radiant Unity, all-good Trinity, in that Thou art a merciful God and art known as One Who willeth mercy, have mercy upon those who glorify Thy majesty.

Glory…: With faith let us glorify the Word, the equally eternal Light begotten of eternal Light of the Father, together with the Spirit, the Light which proceedeth from Light; and let us exalt Him for all ages.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: O all-pure one, thou gavest birth to the almighty Word, Christ the Lord, the Physician of men, Who healeth the wounds of the first parents of all of us who exalt Him supremely forever.

Ode IX

Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of heaven, we call thee blessed.

Unable to gaze upon the beauty of Thy glory, O Master, the ranks of the cherubim, covering themselves with their wings, unceasingly utter hymnody to the Trinity, glorifying the tri-hypostatic might of Thy single Godhead.

O never-setting Sun, impart Thine effulgence unto the hearts of Thy servants, and enlighten their souls, and deliver them from their many transgressions, O Thou Who alone art most merciful and in three Hypostases; and vouchsafe unto us Thine incorrupt life.

Glory…: O Divinity Who art Light equal in honor, three-Sunned and luminous, illumine those who hymn Thee with faith, deliver them from dark malefaction, and vouchsafe unto them Thy most splendid habitations, in that Thou art all-good.

Now & ever…: Theotokion: Thy Son wisely formed man in the beginning, O Virgin, and through thee renewed him who had become corrupt, O most hymned one; and with the never-waning radiance of His divine light He hath filled all those who with faith glorify thee as the true Theotokos.

Then, the hymn of Gregory the Sinaite, which is chanted every Sunday after the canon—

It is truly meet to glorify Thee, the Word of God, before Whom the cherubim tremble and quake, and Whom the hosts of heaven glorify. And with fear we glorify Christ, the Bestower of life, Who rose from the tomb on the third day.

With divine songs let us all in godly manner hymn the Father, the Son and the Spirit divine, the Might in three Hypostases, the one Kingship and Dominion,

Whom all mortals hymn and the hosts of heaven glorify, the essential Unity in three Hypostases, Who is worshipped with faith by all.

We magnify Thee, the Godhead, the Lord of the cherubim, the incomparable divine Origin of the seraphim, the indivisible Trinity in Unity.

I worship the unoriginate God the Father, the Son Who is equally without beginning, and the Spirit. With hymns let us honor the one indivisible and unified Essence, the threefold Unity.

Shine forth Thy dazzling lightning flashes upon me, O my God in three Hypostases, Thou Creator of all, and show me to be a splendid, luminous and immutable habitation of Thine unapproachable glory.

With fear let us glorify Christ the Bestower of life, Who became ineffably incarnate of the Virgin, for the cherubim tremble and quake before Him, and the angelic armies glorify Him.

Hypacoï, in Tone VI—

Having, as God, broken down the gates of hades by Thy voluntary and life-creating death, O Christ, Thou didst open ancient paradise unto us; and rising from the dead, Thou hast delivered our life from corruption.

The rest of Nocturns, and the Dismissal. 

Sunday Morning at Matins

After the Six Psalms, we chant “God is the Lord…”: in Tone VI, and sing the resurrectional troparion, twice, and the theotokion, once (see Great Vespers). Then the usual chanting of the Psalter.

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these resurrectional Sessional hymns, in Tone VI—

When the tomb was opened and hades wept, Mary cried out to the apostles who had hidden themselves: “Come forth, ye laborers of the vineyard! Proclaim the tidings of the resurrection! The Lord hath risen, granting the world great mercy!”

Stichos: Arise, O Lord my God, let Thy hand be lifted high; forget not Thy paupers to the end.

O Lord, Mary Magdalene stood before Thy tomb and wept aloud; and supposing Thee to be the gardener, she said: “Where hast Thou hidden our eternal Life? Where hast Thou laid Him Who sitteth upon the throne of the cherubim? For those who guarded Him have become as dead through fear. Either give me my Lord, or cry out with me: O Thou Who wast among the dead and hast raised up the dead, glory to Thee!”

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Gideon prefigured thy conception, and David recounted thy birthgiving, O Theotokos; for the Word descended into thy womb like the rain upon the fleece, and without seed thou didst put forth Christ our God, the salvation of the world, O holy ground, who art full of grace.

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

Life lay in the tomb, and a seal was affixed to the stone. Soldiers guarded Christ as they would a sleeping king, and the Lord arose, invisibly smiting His enemies.

Stichos: I will confess Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart, I will tell of all Thy wonders.

Jonah prefigured Thy tomb, and Symeon told of Thy divine resurrection, O immortal Lord; for Thou didst descend into the tomb as one dead, demolishing the gates of hades, and didst arise as Master, without corruption, for the salvation ofthe world, O Christ our God, Who hast enlightened those in darkness.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O Virgin Theotokos, entreat thy Son, Christ our God, Who of His own will was nailed to the Cross and arose from the dead, that our souls be saved.

Then, “Blessed are the blameless in the way…”: followed by the troparia “The assembly of the angels…”. Little litany, and this hypacoï, in Tone VI—

Having, as God, broken down the gates of hades by Thy voluntary and life-creating death, O Christ, Thou didst open ancient paradise unto us; and rising from the dead, Thou hast delivered our life from corruption.

Songs of Ascent, in Tone VI, the verses being repeated—

Antiphon I

I lift up mine eyes to heaven, to Thee, O Word. Have pity, that I may live in Thee.

Have mercy upon us who are downcast, O Word, making us vessels useful to Thee.

Glory…: The Holy Spirit is the Cause of all salvation. And if He blow upon anyone as is meet, He quickly taketh him away from among the things of earth: He giveth him wings, maketh him grow and setteth him on high.

Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.

Antiphon II

If the Lord were not among us, none of us would be able to combat the warfare of the enemy; for they who conquer are lifted up from hence.

Let not my soul be seized like a bird by the teeth of the enemy, O Word. Woe is me! How shall I, who love sin, escape them?

Glory…: From the Holy Spirit come deification, goodwill, understanding, peace and blessing for all; for He worketh equally with the Father and the Word.

Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.

Antiphon III

They that hope in the Lord are fearsome to the enemy and wondrous to all; for they direct their gaze on high.

He who hath Thee, O Savior, as his Helper, the Portion of the righteous, doth not stretch out his hands toward iniquities.

Glory…: The dominion of the Holy Spirit is over all. Him do the armies on high worship, as doth every creature here below.

Now & ever…: The foregoing is repeated.

Prokimenon, in Tone VI—

O Lord, stir up Thy might and come to save us.

Stichos: O Shepherd of Israel, attend, Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.

Let every breath praise the Lord.

The appointed Resurrectional Gospel. Then, this resurrectional hymn, in Tone VI—

Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We worship Thy Cross, O Christ, and Thy holy resurrection we hymn and glorify. For Thou art our God, and we know none other beside Thee, we call upon Thy name. O come, all ye faithful, let us worship Christ’s holy resurrection, for behold, through the Cross joy hath come to all the world. Ever blessing the Lord, we hymn His resurrection; for, having endured crucifixion, He hath destroyed death by death.

Psalm 50: “Have mercy on me, O God…”

Glory…: Through the prayers of the apostles, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of our transgressions.

Now & ever…: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of our transgressions.

Then, in Tone VI:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multit:1de of Thy compassions, blot out my transgression.

Then, this sticheron:

Jesus having risen from the grave, as He foretold, hath given us life eternal, * and great mercy.

Then, the Prayer: “Save, O God, Thy people…”: followed by the exclamation: “Through the mercy and compassions and love for mankind…”

The Canons: of the Resurrection, with 4 troparia; that of the Cross & the Resurrection, with 3 troparia; that of the Theotokos, with 3 troparia; and that from the Menaion, with 4 troparia. If a saint with 6 troparia is being celebrated, then the Canon of the Cross & Resurrection hath 2 troparia, as doth that of the Theotokos.

Ode I

Canon of the Resurrection, in Tone VI

Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of victory!

Stichos: Glory to Thy holy resurrection, O Lord!

O good Jesus, with Thy hands which were stretched out on the Cross Thou didst fill all things with the good pleasure of the Father; wherefore we all sing a song of victory unto Thee. Cringing before Thee like a handmaid, death was commanded to approach Thee, the Master of life, Who through her granteth us endless life and resurrection.

Theotokion: Having received thine own Creator incarnate of thy seedless womb in manner past understanding, O pure one, as He Himself desired, thou wast truly shown to be the Mistress of creation.

Canon of the Cross & Resurrection 

Irmos: The children of those who were saved…

The Judge standeth as one condemned before the tribunal of Pilate, even though his judgment is iniquitous; and God, before Whom the earth and the heavens tremble, is smitten in the face by an unjust hand.

Thou didst stretch forth Thy divine hands upon Thy most precious and Life-bearing Cross, O Savior; and didst gather the nations together to acknowledge Thee, O Master; and they worship Thy glorious crucifixion, O Lord.

Stavrotheotokion: Pouring forth streams of tears, the all-immaculate one stood by Thy Cross, O Savior, beholding the drops of blood which poured forth from Thy side, O Christ, and glorifying Thine incomparable mercy.

Canon of the All-holy Theotokos, the acrostic whereof is: 
“O Mother of God, grant me bounteous grace”

Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot…

When Eve partook of the fruit of the forbidden tree, she brought down the curse; yet when thou gavest birth to Christ, the Firstfruits of blessing, O pure one, thou didst annul it.

Having through the divine lightning given birth unto Christ the pearl, O pure one, with the light of thy radiance drive away the darkness of my passions and the turmoil of transgressions. With spiritual eyes Jacob mystically foresaw the Expectation of the nations: God Who became incarnate of thee, and Who hath delivered us through thy mediation.

When there were no more princes from the tribe of Judah, O all-pure one, thy Son and God, coming forth as Leader, hath now truly become King over the ends of the earth.

Then, the canon from the Menaion, and the katavasia as prescribed by the Typicon.

Ode III

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted the horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of Thee, O Good One.

Creation, beholding God crucified in the flesh, melted away in fear; yet it was held firmly together by the sustaining hand of Him Who was crucified for our sake.

Wretched death, undone by death, lieth lifeless, for unable to endure the assault of divine Life, mighty death is slain, and resurrection is given to all.

Theotokion: The miracle of thy divine birthgiving transcendeth every order of nature, O pure one; for thou didst supernaturally conceive God in thy womb, and having given birth thou dost ever remain a virgin.

Canon of the Cross & Resurrection 

Irmos: Creation, beholding Thee…

Having spent three days in the tomb, Thou didst arise, granting life through Thy resurrection unto those who before were dead; and released from condemnation, they were filled with joy and gladness, crying: Behold! Thou hast come, O Lord our deliverance!

Glory to Thine arising, O our Savior, for as Almighty Thou hast delivered us from the corruption of hades and from death; and singing, we say: There is none more holy than Thee, O Lord Who lovest mankind!

Theotokion: Thou didst see Him Who was born of thee pierced by a spear, and wast wounded in heart, O all-holy and most immaculate one; and filled with horror, thou didst say: How hath the all-iniquitous nation rewarded Thee, O my Child?

Canon of the Theotokos 

Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee…

The Good One, ineffably receiving my corrupt and mortal flesh from thy womb and rendering it incorrupt, O most pure Mother of God, eternally bound it to Himself.

Beholding God incarnate of thee, O Virgin, the choirs of the angels were filled with awe and fear, and with unceasing hymnody they honor thee as the Mother of God.

The Prophet Daniel was filled with awe, beholding thee, O Mother of God, as the noetic mountain from whence the Stone was quarried not by man, which mightily demolished the temples of the demons.

Neither the words nor the tongue of man is able to praise thee worthily, O Virgin, for Christ, the Bestower of life, was well-pleased to become incarnate of thee without seed, O all-pure one.

Ode IV

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honored Church doth sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival in the Lord.

The Tree blossomed forth true life, O Christ; for the Cross was planted and, watered with the blood and water which flowed from Thine incorrupt side, budded forth life for us.

No longer will the serpent falsely proffer deification, for Christ, the Deifier of human nature, hath now given me unhindered access to the path of life.

Theotokion: Truly ineffable and unapproachable to those on earth and in heaven are the mysteries of thy divine birthgiving, O Ever-virgin.

Canon of the Cross & Resurrection 

Irmos: Foreseeing Thy divine condescension…

O Christ, we venerate Thy precious Cross, the nails, the holy spear, the reed and the crown of thorns, whereby we have been delivered from the corruption of hades.

The tomb seized Thee Who of Thine own will didst manifest Thyself as dead for our sake, O Savior, yet it was in nowise able to hold Thee, O Word; for as God Thou didst arise, saving our race.

Stavrotheotokion: O Ever-virgin Theotokos who gavest birth unto Christ, the Savior of men, from misfortunes and torments deliver us who with faith flee to thy divine protection.

Canon of the Theotokos 

Irmos: Christ is my power…

Saved by thee, O all-pure one we hymn thee, the most immaculate one; and piously chanting, we cry: Blessed art thou, O Ever-virgin, who gavest birth unto God!

O Virgin, most blessed one, thou gavest birth to the Light unwaning Who shineth in the flesh upon those in the darkness of life; and thou hast poured forth joy upon those who hymn thee, O Ever-virgin.

Through thee, O most holy one, hath grace blossomed forth and the law ceased its effect; for thou, O pure Ever-virgin, gavest birth to the Lord Who granteth us remission.

Tasting of the tree showed me forth as mortal, but the Tree of life, Who revealed Himself through thee, O all-pure one, raised up the dead and hath made me an heir to the sweetness of paradise.

Ode V

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of those who with love rise at dawn unto Thee, I pray Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, to be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.

The cherubim now withdraw from me, and the flaming sword is now withdrawn, O Master, since they beheld Thee, O Word of God, as the true God Who made a path to paradise for the thief.

No longer will I fear returning to the earth, O Christ, for in Thy great lovingkindness Thou hast led me up, the forgotten one, from the earth to the heights of incorruption, through Thy resurrection.

Theotokion: Save those who with all their soul confess thee to be the Theotokos, O good Mistress of the world, for we have thee, the true Theotokos, as an invincible intercession.

Canon of the Cross & Resurrection 

Irmos: Isaiah, rising at dawn…

Deceived in Eden into eating of the tree, our progenitor fell into corruption, disobeying Thy commandment, O all-good Lord; yet, obedient to the Father, O Savior, by the Cross Thou didst restore him again to his original beauty.

By Thy death, O Good One, the dominion of death hath been abolished, and Thou hast poured forth a well-spring of life upon us and bestowed immortality; wherefore, with faith do we bow down before Thy burial and resurrection, whereby, as God, Thou hast enlightened the whole world.

Stavrotheotokion: The Lord and Creator of all, Who dwelleth in the heavens, ineffably made His abode within thy womb, O most immaculate one, and hath glorified thee as more exalted than the heavens and holier than the immaterial ranks. Wherefore, we on earth now call thee blessed.

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls…

Resplendent in purity and light, O most hymned one, thou becamest the divine habitation of the Master; for thou wast shown to be the only Mother of God, who didst bear Him in thine arms as a babe.

Wearing the noetic beauty of thy most comely soul, thou becamest the Bride of God, sealed with virginity, O pure one, and illumining the world with the light of purity.

Let the assembly of the ungodly lament, who openly refuse to profess thee the pure Mother of God; for thou hast been shown to us as the gate of the light of God, dispelling the darkness of transgressions.

Ode VI

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from corruption, O greatly Merciful One!

Crucified, O Master, with Thy nails Thou didst annul the curse against us; and pierced in the side by the spear, Thou didst free the world, rending asunder the record of Adam’s transgression.

Having been tripped by deceit, Adam fell headlong into the abyss of hades; but Thou, Who art a merciful God by nature, didst go down to search for him and, lifting him upon Thy shoulder, didst raise him up with Thyself.

Theotokion: O all-pure Mistress who for men gavest birth to Christ, the Helmsman, allay the inconstant and grievous tumult of my passions, and grant serenity to my heart.

Canon of the Cross & Resurrection 

Irmos: Jonah was swallowed…

The multitude of the Jews became slayers of the prophets and the Messiah, for of old they were not afraid to put to death the prophets, the mystic rays of the Truth. And thus, moved by hatred, they have now slain the Lord Whom the prophets had proclaimed; yet His death hath become life for us.

Thou wast seized but not held in the tomb, O Savior; for even though Thou didst taste death of Thine own will, O Word, yet didst Thou arise as God immortal, raising up with Thyself those held prisoner in hades, replacing the grief which the women felt before with joy.

Stavrotheotokion: At the time of Thy suffering, the appearance of Thy flesh was ignoble and poor beyond that of men, though through the Essence of the divinity it was shown unto David as comely in beauty. Yet by the rod of Thy kingdom the might of the enemy was shattered; and the pure one said: O my Son and God, arise from the tomb!

Canon of the Theotokos 

Irmos: Beholding the sea of life…

Moses, great among the prophets, prefigured thee as the ark, the table, the candlestand, the jar, describing in figures the incarnation of the Most High which would be wrought in thee, O Virgin Mother.

Death is slain, and the corruption of Adam’s condemnation is abolished, having been dashed against thy Fruit, O Mistress; for thou gavest birth unto the Life which delivereth from corruption those who hymn thee.

The law hath failed and the shadow hath passed away; and in manner past understanding and comprehension the grace of God my Savior, Whose birth took place through thee, hath been made manifest unto me, O greatly hymned Virgin.

Kontakion, in Tone VI—

Raising up all the dead from the dark vales [of hades] with His life-creating hand, Christ God, the Bestower of life, granted resurrection to the human race; for He is the Savior of all, the resurrection and life, and the God of all.

Ikos: We, the faithful, hymn and bow down before the Cross and Thy burial, O Bestower of life, for as omnipotent God Thou didst bind hades, O Immortal One. Thou didst raise the dead with Thyself, didst break down the gates of death, and didst destroy the dominion of hell, in that Thou art God. Wherefore, with love we mortals glorify Thee Who hast arisen and cast down the most destructive might of the enemy, and hast raised up all who have believed Thee to have risen and delivered the world from the arrows of the serpent and the deception of the enemy, in that Thou art the God of all.

Ode VII

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldæans, prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Lamenting at Thy passion, the sun cloaked itself in gloom, O Master, and that day, throughout all the earth, light was darkened, crying: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

The uttermost depths were clothed in light through Thy descent, O Christ; and our first father was shown to be full of gladness, and, dancing, he leapt up, crying: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Theotokion: Through thee, O Virgin Mother, radiant Light hath shone forth upon the whole world; for thou gavest birth unto God, the Creator of all. Him do thou entreat, O most pure one, that He send down great mercy upon us, the faithful.

Canon of the Cross & Resurrection 

Irmos: O ineffable wonder!…

O strange image! He Who delivered Israel from bondage to Pharaoh is of His own will crucified by them, and looseth the chains of our offenses. Unto Him do we chant with faith: O God our Deliverer, blessed art Thou!

The impious children of the iniquitous crucified Thee, the Savior, on Golgotha, but Thou didst break down the brazen gates and bars, unto the salvation of us who chant: O God our Deliverer, blessed art Thou!

Theotokion: Having given birth to the Liberation of Eve from the ancient curse, O pure Virgin, thou dost release Adam; wherefore, with the angels we hymn thee and thy Son, and cry aloud: O God our Deliverer, blessed art Thou!

Canon of the Theotokos 

Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace…

The furnace did not consume the three youths who prefigured thy birthgiving; for, without consuming thee, the divine Fire made His abode within thee, and hath taught all to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Enlightened by thy luminous radiance, the ends of the earth bless thee, O most pure Mother, as thou didst foretell, and, chanting with grace, they cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

The most evil serpent sank his deadly fangs into me; but thy Son hath broken them, O Mother of God, and given me the strength to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Thou art the place where human nature is purified, O thou who alone art blessed of God; for, bearing in thine arms God Who sitteth upon the shoulders of the cherubim, thou criest: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Ode VIII

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones, and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou, O Christ, dost do all things soever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt supremely for all ages!

The Jewish people, who of old were slayers of the prophets, hath jealousy now made slayers of God, for they lifted Thee up upon the Cross, O Word of God. Him do we exalt supremely for all ages.

Thou didst not leave the vault of heaven, and, descending into hades, Thou didst raise up with Thyself all of man, who lay in the mire, O Christ; and he exalteth Thee supremely for all ages.

Theotokion: From Light thou didst conceive the Word, the Bestower of light; and having ineffably given birth unto Him, thou hast been glorified. For the Spirit of God dwelt within thee, O Maiden. Wherefore, we hymn thee for all ages.

Canon of the Cross & Resurrection 

Irmos: Fall back in awe and fear, O heaven…

Every ear is filled with awe at how the Most High willingly came to earth to destroy the might of hades by His Cross and burial, and to raise up all to cry: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

The tyranny of hades hath ceased and its kingdom is henceforth set at nought; for He Who is God over all cast down its might when the Cross was planted in the ground. Him do ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt supremely for all ages!

O Thine ineffable love for mankind, O Christ, and Thine unutterable benefactions! For, seeing me perishing in the prison of hades, Thou didst deliver me, enduring Thy sufferings. Wherefore, we bless Thee, the Master of all, and exalt Thee supremely for all ages.

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew…

Having arrayed thee like a queen in the effulgence of the Spirit as in golden vesture, thy Son set thee at His own right hand, O all-pure one. Him do we exalt supremely for all ages.

He Who by His will alone established the world taketh flesh from thine all-pure womb, desiring to form it anew from on high. Him do we exalt supremely for all ages.

That the Word might unite Himself unto me, a man, thou becamest the habitation of God, O all-pure one, manifestly shining forth in the splendor of virginity. Wherefore, we hymn thee for all ages.

The golden candlestand prefigured thee who ineffably received the unapproachable Light Who illumineth all things with His radiance. Wherefore, we hymn thee, O pure one, for all ages.

Then we chant the Hymn of the Theotokos: “My soul doth magnify the Lord…”: with the refrain “More honorable than the cherubim…”

Ode IX

Canon of the Resurrection

Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of heaven, we call thee blessed.

While sharing in sufferings through Thy sufferings, Thou didst remain untouched by the passions, O Word of God; yet as Thou art suffering for the passions, Thou dost loose man from the passions, O our Savior; for Thou alone art dispassionate and almighty.

Receiving the corruption of death, Thou didst keep Thy body untouched by corruption, nor didst Thou leave Thy life-creating and divine soul in hades, O Master; but having arisen as from sleep, Thou didst raise us up with Thyself.

Triadicon: O all ye men, with pure lips let us glorify God the Father and the Son Who is equally without beginning, and let us honor the ineffable and all-glorious power of the most Holy Spirit; for Thou alone art the almighty and indivisible Trinity.

Canon of the Cross & Resurrection 

Irmos: Lament Me not, O Mother…

Even though Thou didst descend into the grave as one dead, O Bestower of life, Thou didst destroy the might of hades, raising up with Thee the dead whom it had swallowed, O Christ; and as God Thou hast given resurrection unto all who with faith and love magnify Thee.

Let creation rejoice and blossom like a lily; for Christ hath arisen from the dead as God. Let us cry out: Where now is thy sting, O death? Where is thy victory, O hades? He Who hath lifted up our horn hath cast thee down to the ground, in that He is full of lovingkindness.

Stavrotheotokion: Thou hearest Him Who beareth all things, and holdest as a babe in thine arms Him Who delivereth us from the hands of the enemy who warreth against us, O all-pure Mistress; and thou seest Him uplifted upon the Tree of the Cross Who hath raised us up from the pit of evil.

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God…

The Star which shineth forth out of Jacob with the rays of divinity shone forth upon those held fast in darkness; for through thee, O most pure one, did Christ God the Word become incarnate. And illumined by Him, with the armies of heaven we call thee blessed.

Strengthened by thy power and grace, I have earnestly set forth hymnody for thee with all my heart. Accept it, O pure virgin, bestowing on me thy greatly radiant grace out of thine incorrupt treasuries, O blessed of God.

Thou hast been manifestly shown to be the loom of the Divinity, whereon the Word wove the garment of His body, deifying my form, O Virgin. And having clothed Himself therein, He hath saved all who magnify thee with pure thought.

Resurrection hath now been given to the dead through thine ineffable and unutterable birthgiving, O most pure Theotokos; for Life, clothing Himself in flesh through thee, shone forth upon all, and hath manifestly lifted the gloom of death.

After the katavasia, the little litany. Then, “Holy is the Lord our God!”: thrice; and the matins exapostilarion.

On the Praises, 8 stichera, in Tone VI—

Stichos: To do among them the judgment that is written. This glory shall be to all His saints.

Thy Cross, O Lord, is the life and resurrection of Thy people; and we who set our hope thereon hymn Thee, our risen God. Have mercy upon us!

Stichos: Praise ye God in His saints, praise Him in the firmament of His power.

Thy burial hath opened paradise to the human race, O Master; and, delivered from corruption, we hymn Thee, our risen God. Have mercy upon us!

Stichos: Praise Him for His mighty acts, praise Him according to the multitude of His greatness.

Let us hymn Christ Who is risen from the dead, with the Father and the Spirit; and let us cry out to Him: Thou art our life and resurrection! Have mercy upon us!

Stichos: Praise Him with the sound of trumpet, praise Him with psaltery and harp.

Thou didst rise from the tomb on the third day, as it is written, O Christ, raising up our forefather with Thyself. Wherefore, the human race glorifieth Thee and hymneth Thy resurrection.

Stichos: Praise Him with timbrel and dance, praise Him with strings and flute.

Great and awesome is the mystery of Thy resurrection, O Lord; for thus Thou didst issue forth from the tomb, like a bridegroom from a wedding chamber, having destroyed death by death, that Thou mightest free Adam. Wherefore, the angels join chorus in the heavens, and on earth men glorify Thy lovingkindness toward us, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Stichos: Praise Him with tuneful cymbals, praise Him with cymbals of jubilation. Let every breath praise the Lord.

O ye most iniquitous Jews, where are the seals, and the silver coins which ye gave to the soldiers? The Treasure hath not been stolen, but is risen, as One mighty. Ye are filled with shame, who rejected Christ, the Lord of glory, Who suffered, was buried, and rose from the dead. Let us worship Him!

Stichos: Arise, O Lord my God, let Thy hand be lifted high; forget not Thy paupers to the end.

While the tomb was sealed, how were the remains stolen, O ye Jews who set the watch and affixed the seals? The King issued forth through doors which were closed. Either show Him as one dead, or worship Him as God, chanting with us: Glory, O Lord, to Thy Cross and resurrection!

Stichos: I will confess Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart, I will tell of all Thy wonders.

The myrrh-bearing women, lamenting, reached Thy Life-receiving tomb, O Lord; and, bearing myrrh, they sought to embalm Thine all-pure body. But they found a luminous angel seated upon the stone, who declared to them, saying: “Wherefore weep ye for Him from Whose side life poured forth upon the world? Why seek ye the Immortal One as though He were one dead in the grave? Rather, make haste, announce to His disciples the universal joy of His glorious resurrection!” O Savior Who hast enlightened us thereby, grant us cleansing and great mercy!

Glory…: The matins Gospel sticheron. 

Now & ever…: Theotokion, in Tone II—

Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Theotokos, for through Him Who became incarnate of Thee is hades led captive, Adam recalled, the curse annulled, Eve set free, death slain, and we are given life. Wherefore, we cry aloud in praise: Blessed art Thou, O Christ God, Who hast been thus well-pleased, glory to Thee.

Great Doxology, and the resurrectional troparion—

Having risen from the tomb, and having burst the bonds of hades, Thou hast destroyed the sentence of death, O Lord, delivering all from the snares of the enemy. Manifesting Thyself to Thine apostles, Thou didst send them forth to preach; and through them hast granted Thy peace to the world, O Thou Who alone art plenteous in mercy.

And the Dismissal.

Sunday at Divine Liturgy

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VI—

Remember me when Thou comest in Thy kingdom, O God my Savior, and save me, for Thou alone lovest mankind.

By a tree was Adam deceived; yet again by the Tree of the Cross was the thief saved, who cried out: Remember me in Thy kingdom, O Lord!

O Bestower of life, Who hast broken down the gates and portals of hades, Thou hast saved all who cry out to Thee, O Savior: Glory to Thine arising!

O Thou Who by Thy burial hast made death captive, and by Thy resurrection hast filled all with joy: remember me, in that Thou art compassionate.

The myrrh-bearing women who came to the tomb heard an angel cry out: Christ, Who hath enlightened all things, is risen!

Together let us all hymn Christ, Who was nailed to the Cross and hath delivered the world from beguilement.

Glory…: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit let us glorify, saying: O Holy Trinity, save Thou our souls!

Now & ever…: O Virgin, who ineffably conceived in the latter days and gavest birth unto Thy Creator: Save those who magnify thee!

Prokimenon, in Tone VI—

O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance.

Stichos: Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry; O my God, be not silent unto me.

Alleluia, in Tone VI—

Stichos: He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven.

Stichos: He shall say unto the Lord: Thou art my helper and my refuge. He is my God, and I will hope in Him.