Tone VIII

Friday

Thursday Evening at Vespers

On “Lord, I have cried…”: 3 stichera of the Cross, in Tone VIII: Special Melody: “O all-glorious wonder…”—

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

Automelon: O all-glorious wonder! The Life-bearing Tree, the all-holy Cross is revealed today, lifted up on high. All the ends of the earth glorify it, and the hordes of the demons are affrighted. O what a gift hath been given to mortals! Thereby, O Christ, save Thou our souls, in that Thou alone art compassionate.

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.

Prosomoia: O all-glorious wonder! Like a vine full of life, bearing the Most High, the Cross is seen today uplifted from the earth. Thereby have we all been drawn to God, and death hath been utterly slaughtered. O the most worshipful Tree, whereby, glorifying Christ, we have received the immortal sustenance which was in Eden!

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

O the great goodness which Thou hast for us, O good Jesus! How didst Thou abase Thyself, become a man, and will to suffer, enduring the Cross and violent death for Thy useless servants? We offer the Cross to Thee as a worthy and divinely fitting gift; and giving thanks, we, the faithful, glorify Thee.

Then the stichera for the saint, from the Menaion; or if there is no Menaion, these stichera for the all-holy Theotokos, in Tone VIII—

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

O the ineffable goodness of Him Who became incarnate of thee, O most hymned Theotokos! For He Who loveth mankind endured the Cross and death, that He might save what He created. Entreat Him, that He may deliver from torment me, the wretched one who am greatly sick, and cause me to dwell where shineth the never-waning light.

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

“What is this sight which mine eyes behold, O Master? Uplifted upon the Tree, Thou Who upholdest all creation dost die, giving life unto all!”, the Theotokos said, weeping, when she saw the God and man who ineffably shone forth from her suspended upon the Cross.

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

O all-pure one, by thine honored supplications deliver from misfortunes the flock which thy Son and God sprinkled with His blood. And fending off the invisible foe like wolves, fill their faces with shame, as David the psalmist proclaimed of old, O pure one.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Stavrotheotokion—

Beholding Thee nailed to the Cross, accepting suffering of Thine own will, O Jesus our Master, Thy Virgin Mother cried aloud: “Woe is me, O my sweet Child! How dost Thou unjustly endure wounds, O Physician Who healed the infirmity of man, and in Thy lovingkindness hast delivered all from corruption?”

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

Aposticha stichera of the Cross, in Tone VIII—

O Christ God Who wast uplifted upon the Cross, Thou didst save the human race. We glorify Thy sufferings!

Stichos: Unto Thee have I lifted up mine eyes, unto Thee that dwellest in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid look unto the hands of her mistress, so do our eyes look unto the Lord our God, until He take pity on us.

Thou wast nailed to the Cross, O Christ God, and didst open the gates of paradise. We glorify Thy divinity!

Stichos: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for greatly are we filled with abasement. Greatly hath our soul been filled therewith; let reproach come upon them that prosper, and abasement on the proud.

Martyricon: Ye sanctify every place, O martyrs of the Lord, and heal every infirmity. Pray ye now, that our souls be delivered from the nets of the enemy, we beseech you.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Stavrotheotokion—

The unblemished heifer, beholding her Bullock nailed to the Tree of His own will, lamenting pitiably, cried: “Woe is me, O my most beloved Child! How hath the ungrateful assembly of the Jews rewarded Thee, desiring to leave me bereft of Thee, O most Beloved?”

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

Thursday Night at Compline

Canon of Supplication to the All-Holy Theotokos 

Ode I

Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led His people through the Red Sea, for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.

O all-immaculate Virgin, render Christ merciful unto me, setting me free on the day of the dread judgment.

Rain down upon me drops of compunction, O Mistress, washing away my defilement, that I may glorify thee.

Glory…: Illumine me, O Virgin who gavest birth to the never-waning Light, driving away the profound darkness of my slothfulness.

Now & ever…: Save me who have perished amid many sins, O Theotokos, and deliver me from every torment and grievous condemnation.

Ode III

Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.

Having fallen away from the life of sanctity, O all-pure one, I have joined the dumb beasts and am wholly condemned; but do thou who gavest birth to the Judge deliver me from all damnation, and save me.

Unto thee do I flee, O Mistress. Ever save me who am beset by a multitude of perils, taking pity upon me, O only all-hymned one who gavest birth to the Savior and Lord of all. Glory…: O Mistress, thou impassable gate leading to God, open unto me the gates of repentance, I pray, cleansing me of the impurity of my sins with the showers of thy mercy, O thou who art full of the grace of God.

Now & ever…: Deliver me from the assault of the passions, O Mistress, and vanquish now the foes which wage war upon me; establish me upon the rock of the will of God, and illumine my soul, O portal of the divine Light.

Ode IV

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

Heal thou the stripes of my soul, O Virgin full of the grace of God, and illumine my mind, which hath been darkened by the incursions of the passions, O pure one.

In that thou art the Mother of the Word, O all-pure one, rouse me to repentance who sleep the sleep of despondency and am covered with sin.

Glory…: O Mistress who knewest not wedlock, who gavest birth to the incarnate Word, enlighten my soul, and deliver me from Gehenna and torment.

Now & ever…: On thee have I set all my hope, O Virgin Mother; preserve thou my soul, O thou who gavest birth to God my Savior.

Ode V

Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.

Heal thou the wholly incurable sufferings of my soul, O Maiden, light thou my lamp, which hath gone out through slothfulness, and guide me to the paths of repentance, O Virgin, that I may glorify thee with faith and love.

I condemn myself even before the trial, O divinely joyous one. I alone among the accused bear shameful deeds. But intercede for me, in that thou art the advocate of all, and deliver me from grievous condemnation.

Glory…: Cease thou never to deliver me from captivity, from the soul-corrupting turmoil which surroundeth me, and from the grievous passions which slay me, O all-holy Maiden, ally of sinners and ready helper of men.

Now & ever…: O all-pure one who didst conceive the Life of the world, the Deliverer and King, impart life unto me who am wholly slain by the sting of death because of disobedience, and guide me to the Light.

Ode VI

Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are my transgressions; and lead me up from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast hearkened to me, O God of my salvation.

Grant life unto me who have been slain by manifold transgressions, O all-pure Virgin Theotokos who didst ineffably give birth to the Life of men, and teach me to do the will of the Lord.

All of us, the faithful, who are ever drowning in the abyss of evils, turmoil and griefs, have acquired thee as an intercessor and bulwark, O Theotokos, thou only refuge of the faithful.

Glory…: O all-immaculate and all-pure one, who through thy holy Offspring hast caused the growths of ungodliness to wither away: destroy the evil of the enemy which ever groweth within me.

Now & ever…: Sanctify my mind and illumine my heart, O holy Mother of God, and deliver me from the evils which assail me, that I may glorify thee, my steadfast helper.

Then, Lord, have mercy! thrice. Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn, in Tone VIII—

“O the new wonder! O the awesome mystery!” the ewe-lamb cried, beholding her Son stretched out upon the Tree; “What is this, O immortal Word of God? How art Thou seen to be dead Who dost cause the earth to quake, in that Thou art almighty? Yet do I hymn Thine awesome and divine condescension.”

Ode VII

Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Be merciful unto me, O Virgin, and with the poultice of thy supplication heal me who have been wounded by the sword of sin; and rescue me forever from the fire which is never quenched.

Deliver me from the cruel captivity which hath befallen me, from wicked thoughts and besetting transgressions, O Mother of the Savior, that, saved, I may ever glorify thee as is meet.

Glory…: I now flee unto thee, O Mother of God, bound by the fetters of transgressions. In the lovingkindness of thy mercy loose me, O Virgin, and deliver me from the torment and malice of the demons.

Now & ever…: Take pity and save me, O Virgin who gavest birth to the compassionate Word of God, and with the light which is within thee illumine my soul, and deliver me from the cruel wiles of the demons.

Ode VIII

Irmos: Madly did the Chaldæan tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but, beholding them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

He Who is perfect in every way and unapproachable in essence hath shown Himself to be accessible to me, having been clothed in the flesh through thee, O thou who knewest not wedlock. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that He lighten the burden of mine iniquities and deliver me from the judgment which is to come.

O all-holy one, who in manner past recounting gavest birth to the Judge and Lord, entreat Him as thy Son, that on the day of judgment He deliver from fire, from the darkness which is devoid of light, and from the gnashing of teeth me who ever piously hymn thee with faith.

Glory…: O all-pure Theotokos, cleanse thou the wounds of my soul and the temptations of sin, washing them away with the fountain which sprang forth from the side of thine Offspring, and with the streams gushing forth therefrom; for to thee do I cry, unto thee do I flee, and thee do I entreat, who art full of the grace of God.

Now & ever…: O all-immaculate one, who alone manifestly gavest birth unto Life, grant life to my soul which hath been slain by the sting of the serpent; and hasten to do the will of Him Who was born for our sake, O Virgin, for I cry: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely forever!

Ode IX

Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Theotokos.

My soul, which hath been blinded by the passions, blackened by wicked thoughts and is beset by danger, do thou enlighten, O portal of the Light; and deliver me from perils, from the oppression of the demons, from grievous testing, and the coming flame and torment.

O Savior Who wast born of the Virgin, and Who preserved her who gave birth to Thee incorrupt even after birthgiving, have pity on me when Thou shalt sit to judge my deeds. As Thou art sinless, overlook mine iniquities and sins, in that thou art a merciful God Who lovest mankind.

Glory…: Carrying the heavenly Fire in thine arms, as though with tongs, O pure one who art full of the grace of God, utterly consume the passions of my soul, and free me from dread judgment and fire, from the cruel tyranny of the demons.

Now & ever…: With thy mystical effulgence enlighten our thoughts, hearts and reasoning powers, O Maiden full of the grace of God, that treading the paths of life aright, we may obtain mercy, ever uttering praises unto thee.

Then, It is truly meet…Trisagion through Our Father…Troparion, and the rest as usual. Dismissal. 

Friday Morning at Matins

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these Sessional hymns of the Cross, in Tone VIII—

Beholding the Author of life hanging upon the Cross, the thief said: “If Thou, Who art crucified with us, hadst not become God incarnate, the sun would not have lost its brightness and the earth would not have quaked with trembling. Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom!”

Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet, for it is holy.

Thy Cross is found to be a scale weighing the two thieves; for the one was brought down to hades by the burden of his blasphemy, while the other was borne up out of transgressions to the knowledge of theology. O Christ God, glory to Thee!

Glory…, Now & ever…: Stavrotheotokion—

Ever preserved by the Cross of thy Son and God, O Virgin, we confound the assaults and wiles of the demons; and hymning thee as the true Theotokos; with love all of our generations call thee blessed, as thou didst foretell. Wherefore, by thy supplications grant us remission of our offenses.

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

The tree in the midst of Eden blossomed forth death, but the Tree in the midst of the whole world hath produced life; for they who of old tasted the fruit, while incorrupt, became corrupt, but those who have obtained the latter have inherited incorruption. For by the Cross Thou savest the human race, in that Thou art God.

Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the midst of the earth.

In paradise of old the tree stripped me naked, and by my tasting the enemy brought mortality upon me; but when the tree of the Cross was planted in the ground, it brought men the raiment of life everlasting, and filled the whole world with all joy. And beholding it uplifted, O ye people, with faith let us cry out together to God: Thy house is full of glory!

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

Martyricon: Today this church is illumined with heavenly light; for therein the angelic armies rejoice, and with them the souls of the righteous are filled with gladness on the memorial of the passion-bearers. Through their prayers, O Christ, send down peace and great mercy upon Thy world.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Stavrotheotokion—

When thou didst see Him Who became incarnate of thy precious blood and was born of thee in manner past understanding, hanging on the Tree in the midst of malefactors, O pure one, thy womb was filled with pain, and thou didst cry out, weeping maternally: “Woe is me, O my Child! What is this Thy divine and ineffable dispensation, whereby Thou hast given life to Thy creation? I hymn Thy lovingkindness!”

After the third chanting of the Psalter, these Sessional hymns, in Tone VIII: Special Melody: “Pondering what was mystically commanded…”—

By Thy Cross and death was the tyranny of the enemy cast down, and death put to death. The dead of times past, whom hades held bound as captives within itself, it suddenly released, O Good One, and they hymn Thy might and Thine awesome and divine condescension, whereby Thou hast saved us.

Deluded by a false hope of deification, our ancestor thereby brought corruption upon all; but through Thy Cross Thou pourest forth life upon all, in that Thou art all-good; for Thou wast nailed of Thine own will, that Thou mightest release us from the primal curse. Wherefore, we hymn Thy voluntary suffering, O Christ.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Stavrotheotokion—

The unblemished ewe-lamb, seeing the Lamb and Shepherd hanging upon the Cross, cried out: “What is this strange and unexpected sight, O my Child? How is the Life of all condemned to death like mortal men? But arise from the dead on the third day, as Thou didst say, O Word, that, rejoicing, I may glorify Thee.”

Ode I

Canon of the precious & life-creating Cross, the composition of Joseph, in Tone VIII—

Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea for Israel, which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.

Stretching forth Thy divine hands on the Cross, O Jesus, Thou didst gather to Thyself Thine own hands’ creation, didst free all from the hands of the evil one and subdue him with Thy mighty hand, O King of all. Wherefore, we, the faithful, hymn Thy majesty, for Thou hast been glorified.

Harmful was the bitter eating of the tree in Eden, which brought death upon us; but, dying on the Cross, Christ hath poured forth life upon all, slaying the serpent with His divine power. Wherefore, let us sing to Him, our God, for He hath been glorified!

Martyricon: Waging war, the multitude of the martyrs fought against the passions with Thy Cross and sufferings, O Jesus, and before the enemy they confessed Thee to reign over creation; and they endured tortures and boundless tribulations. Wherefore, they have received the glory of the Lord of glory.

Martyricon: Finding deliverance through the sprinkling of Thy deifying precious blood, O Lord, Thy martyrs truly shed their own blood, and, unjustly tortured, they refused to offer sacrifice to the vile soul-destroying demons. Wherefore, they brought honorable wholeburnt offerings unto Thee, the King of all.

Theotokion: When she saw Thee, Who seest all things, nailed to the Cross, the immaculate one said, lamenting: “What is this, O my Child? How have those who enjoyed Thy many gifts rewarded Thee? How can I bear the pain? Glory to Thy compassion and awesome dispensation, O Long-suffering One!”

Another canon, of the all-holy Theotokos, in Tone VIII—

Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!

By thy visitation, O Mother of God, enlighten my soul, which hath been darkened by the pleasures of life and is constantly vexed by the griefs of the world.

The gates of heaven have been opened by thy divine birthgiving, O Mother of God. As thou art merciful, grant entry therein to my soul, and guide me to them.

O Virgin, by thy mercy heal my soul, which hath been shot by the darts loosed by the evil one and is wounded by his wiles and machinations.

As the hope of the hopeless and setting aright of the fallen, O thou who gavest birth to the divine Light, illumine my soul, which is in darkness.

Ode III

Canon of the Cross

Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which before was barren, the Tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her might and confirmation.

Beholding Thee unjustly suspended upon the Tree, the sun changed its bright vesture to black, the rocks split asunder, and the whole earth quaked, O only Savior, Thou deliverance of all.

Stretching out his arms, Moses prefigured the precious Cross; and we, now making the sign thereof with goodly wisdom, vanquish all the alien hordes of the demons, immune to all their harm.

Martyricon: Enduring sufferings, the passion-bearers emulated the suffering [of Christ], and they underwent all manner of tortures for the sake of Him Who suffered of His own will, Who slew the passions and shone forth life upon the world.

Martyricon: Unwaveringly treading the path of torment, the right glorious passion-bearers cast from their hearts the stumbling-blocks of deception, and hastened in gladness to the place of divine rest.

Theotokion: “I gave birth to Thee in manner transcending the ways of men’s laws, O my Child, “the Theotokos declared, weeping; “How then have the iniquitous lifted Thee up upon the Tree in the midst of malefactors, O Thou Who alone set forth the law of life?”

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.

Grant me loud sighs, ardent tears and a contrite heart, O Virgin, that I may weep over what I have done; and destroy my growing passions, O thou who alone art most hymned.

Rescue my soul, which is heavy with sinful slumber and is sunk in the bowels of hades, O Mistress, and grant me the thought of true repentance, O blessed of God.

Love of contrition and the virtues do thou grant unto my soul, which hath been sunk by my transgressions, that it might love the life of heaven and possess divine desire.

On thee do I set my hope, O Mother of God, and I am quickly delivered from despair; for I know, I know the richness of thy lovingkindness and the power of thy boldness.

Ode IV

Canon of the Cross

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

Bearing piety like the cedar, faith like the cypress, and love like the pine, we bow down before the divine Cross.

By Thy Cross hath paradise been opened, O Savior, and man who had been condemned hath entered it again, magnifying Thy goodness.

Having died, Thou gavest life to men who had died, and didst slay the serpent who introduced sin.

Martyricon: Emulating the sufferings of Christ, the divine martyrs were shown to share in the radiance of heaven.

Martyricon: Uniting themselves to the beautiful Word, the martyrs were adorned; and, loving the Sun of righteousness, they were splendidly enlightened.

Theotokion: Unto Him Who was perfected before time began thou gavest birth as a little babe, O most immaculate Maiden; and He hath perfected all things by His Cross and goodness.

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: Thou art my strength, O Lord, Thou art my power; Thou art my God, Thou art my joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of the Father, hast visited our lowliness. Wherefore, with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!

O thou who ineffably gavest birth to God the Word, bind up the wounds of my soul with effective herbs, pouring out upon them the precious blood of thy Son, Who destroyed the soul-corrupting belly of hades, and poured forth resurrection upon the world.

O Bride of God, send down upon my soul the cleansing of transgressions, with streams wash away mine evil thoughts, and vouchsafe that it may become pure; for I have fled to thy mediation and help, O Virgin Theotokos.

Unto thine aid do I now flee, O all-pure one. Go thou before me, to deliver me from the cruel tempest of the enemy and the raging torrents of iniquity; and unerringly guide me to thy haven and thy tranquillity, O Mother of God.

With darts of sin hath the enemy wounded my whole soul; he hath defiled my heart with pleasures and turned me away from the straight path. Wherefore, I cry unto thee: Turning me back, heal thou and save me!

Ode V

Canon of the Cross

Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon Christ, our King and Lord, was crucified, and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace to our souls!

Desiring to clothe with the vesture of incorruption us, who have been stripped naked, Thou wast stripped naked; and crucified upon the Cross, Thou didst lay bare the wiles of the enemy. Wherefore, we glorify Thy sufferings.

The saving blood which flowed from [Christ’s] side manifestly cleansed the world, abolished the blood of the temples of the idols, restored those made subject to corruption by the fruit of knowledge, and poured forth incorruption upon our souls.

Martyricon: Resplendent in the beauty of their multifarious wounds, and signed with the divine Blood, the glorious martyrs manifestly passed by the sword which before barred the way, and have made their abode, rejoicing, in paradise.

Martyricon: How wonderful art Thou, O Christ, in the saints who loved Thee with faith! For, enriched by Thee, they pour forth upon the world rivers of divine healing, and dry up the effluence of our passions.

Theotokion: Thou hast healed us who have been afflicted by sin, O all-pure Virgin, who gavest birth to the Savior and Physician of all, Who was nailed to the tree of the Cross, and poured forth salvation upon our souls.

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.

With all diligence I hasten to thine aid, O most immaculate one, and I lift up the eyes of my soul. Turn not away from me, but help and deliver me, in that thou art good, and wash away the defilement of my transgressions.

Deadly poison lay in the fangs of sin, but thou didst supply an antidote thereto in the nails and divine spear of thine Offspring, Who in His lovingkindness suffered in the flesh for our sake, O only most hymned one.

Grant life to me, who am slain by mine evil ways and corrupted by my transgressions, O thou who gavest birth to eternal Life; and turn me to incorruption by renewing my soul, O blessed of God.

Deliver me from the evil of the demons and the malice of men, O Mistress who alone gavest birth to the Healer of all flesh and offenses, the Savior and Lord, and quickly heal the pain of my soul and body.

Ode VI

Canon of the Cross

Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of the Cross in the belly of the sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving passion. And issuing forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of Christ God, Who was nailed in the flesh and hath enlightened the world by His rising on the third day.

The Cross was planted in the midst of the earth at the place of the skull, and healed the sickness caused by the tree which grew in the midst of paradise; for Jesus the Messiah, Who alone is righteous, appeared in the midst of two iniquitous thieves, and with Himself hath raised up all, and cast down into the abyss him who fell headlong from the heights.

Drawing the divine bow, Thy precious Cross, O Christ, Thou didst loose Thine arrows at the slayer; with the nails of Thy hands Thou didst pierce his wrathful and most polluted heart, O Master; and Thou didst utterly slay him, and grant life to those he had slain, O Compassionate One.

Martyricon: With the stream of blood which flowed from the bodies of the holy athletes they quenched all the flame of the madness of idolatry by the Spirit, watered the furrows of the honored Church, and caused the grain of salvation, hope and love to grow, wherewith every soul is nourished by grace divine.

Martyricon: The character of the glorious suffering passion-bearers was enflamed more than with fire, when the evil judges sentenced them to be consumed by material fire; but they were preserved unharmed through the activity and grace of the Holy Spirit, Who crowned them who suffered lawfully.

Theotokion: A sword pierced thy heart, O all-pure Maiden, when thou didst see thy Son stretched out on the Cross, enduring sufferings, of His own will pierced in His divine side by the spear, and slaying the adverse serpent of darkness; wherefore, weeping maternally, thou didst magnify Him.

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are my transgressions; and lead me up from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast hearkened to me, O God of my salvation.

Living in fornication, I have fallen away from God. I have become a wretched slave to pleasures, and am stripped bare of all the divine virtues. But visit me, O all-pure one.

I have shunned the commandments given me, and, having withdrawn from life, I have drawn nigh unto death. But instruct me to return, O all-pure Mother of God.

My life is wicked, full of indifference, but thy mercy is great and ineffable, O all-pure one. Let the lovingkindness of thy goodness prevail over my weak mind.

O pure one, who gavest birth to the most compassionate Savior and Deliverer, have pity on me, and save and deliver me from those who surround me and mercilessly attack my weakness.

Ode VII

Canon of the Cross

Irmos: The mad command of the ungodly tyrant, breathing forth threats and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the three youths feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the raging blaze; but in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon it, they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

When Thou wast stretched out upon the tree of the Cross like a grapevine, O Word of the Father, Thou didst mystically exude the wine which doth away with the drunkenness of disobedience and gladdeneth all who acknowledge Thee to be God the Creator, Who sufferest of Thine own will. And it saveth those who chant: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Thou didst endure the mockery of crucifixion, O Christ my God, bringing an end to the reproaches and sighing of men; Thou didst eat gall, transforming all the bitterness of evil; and Thou didst suffer Thy hands to be wounded, healing the wounds of our souls, O Compassionate One, and commanding us to chant: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Martyricon: With your pangs, O valiant athletes, ye gained the life which is devoid of pain; wherefore, having received from on high the grace to heal our sufferings and dispel evil spirits, ye ease our pains, O holy ones; and ye stand forth before the faithful, and save those who cry: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Martyricon: Ye stood before the tribunal, confessing Christ Who for our sake assumed flesh like ours, though without corruption, O martyrs; and, truly showing yourselves to be emulators of His sufferings, ye endured fire and all other tortures, crying out in gladness: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Theotokion: “I was filled with grief, beholding Thee, my Son, suffering unjustly; and I was wounded in soul when by the spear Thou wast pierced in the side, ” weeping and lamenting the Theotokos, the only Mistress, cried, whom we all call blessed as is meet, piously crying out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Having received the never-waning Light, O pure Virgin, thou art wholly radiant, and dost illumine those who cry to thee with faith: Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, O all-pure one! That thou mightest show forth thy mercy and love for mankind, O Virgin, lead me up from the depths of evils, who cry: Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, O all-pure one!

Wounded by soul-destroying darts, unto thee do I flee, O Virgin Mother. By thy supplication protect me wholly, who cry: Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, O all-pure one!

O Mother of the Savior, deliver me, who am held fast by cruel captivity, evil thoughts and sinful guilt, that, saved, I may ever glorify thee as is meet.

Ode VIII

Canon of the Cross

Irmos: O children, equal in number to the Trinity, bless ye God, the Father and Creator; hymn ye the Word, Who came down and transformed the fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who imparteth life unto all, exalt ye supremely forever!

Blessed is the Tree whereby all the curse of deception in Eden was annulled, which resulted from the wicked eating of the tree; and Christ the all-glorious is exalted, Who in His lovingkindness desired of His own will to be lifted up thereon.

Once, the ever-glorious [Jacob], crossing his arms in sacred manner, blessed his grandsons, manifesting the form of the sacred Tree, whereby blessing hath been imparted unto all who were cursed by the malignant fruit of the tree and stumbled headlong into the abyss of evils.

All mankind was set aright when Thou, O Master, wast stretched forth on the Cross. The horde of evil demons fell, and those who were scattered came together in unity; and the might of Thine authority and Thy power are exalted forever.

Martyricon: O divine athletes of the Lord, ye have inherited blessed glory, incorrupt sustenance and splendid habitations, have joined the ranks of heaven, and have now with gladness received the fulfillment of your ever-glorious hopes.

Martyricon: Your courage shone forth more brightly than the sun, O radiant athletes of Christ, with divine power hath cast into darkness all the deception of the devil, and with pious wisdom hath enlightened the hearts of all the faithful forever.

Theotokion: O all-pure Virgin, blessed Mother of Him Who created all things, all of us, the faithful, call thee the noetic cloud, the tabernacle of sanctity, the throne of God, the portal and lampstand of the Light, and the daybreak of the Word.

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: Madly did the Chaldæan tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but, beholding them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

The Lord Almighty, Who dwelt in thy womb, showed thee to the faithful as a tower of confirmation; and fleeing to it we are delivered from perils and misfortunes, and are freed from temptation, chanting together: Ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely forever!

Let the entreaty of my supplication arise to the Lord Who issued forth from thy womb, O Mistress, that He may deliver me from disobedience to His commandments, from condemnation and the curse of the law, that He may wash away the defilement of my grievous transgressions, in that He alone is merciful.

O all-pure Theotokos, cleanse thou the wounds of my soul and my stumblings into sin, washing me clean with the streams which flowed from the side of thy Son; for to thee do I cry, to thee do I flee, and upon thee, who art full of the grace of God, do I call.

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 the Cross

Irmos: Death, which came upon our race through the eating of the tree hath been abolished by the Cross today; for the curse of our first mother, which fell upon us all, hath been annulled through the Offspring of the pure Mother of God, whom all the hosts of heaven magnify.

Exalting Thee most sacredly, O compassionate Master, we bow down before Thy Cross, the spear, the sponge, the reed, and the holy nails which pierced Thy hands and feet, whereby we have found perfect remission and have been vouchsafed to live in paradise.

O how unjustly Thou wast condemned to be nailed, crucified, to the Tree, O Thou Who alone art the most just Judge of all, seeking to justify all who with faith glorify thy voluntary sufferings and dispensation, and who magnify Thee, O my Christ, with faith.

Martyricon: Giving their bodies over to tortures with all their soul, the glorious martyrs endured wounds and a violent death, the severing of their members, laceration, and burning by fire, and were aflame with love for the Lord; wherefore, crowned, they dwell in the heavens.

Martyricon: O Thou Who art the delight of the apostles and martyrs, by thy supplications fill us all with mercy, in that Thou art compassionate, granting us the remission of our transgressions, the deliverance from all evils, and a place to dwell in Thy kingdom, O Thou Who for our sake appeared as a man.

Theotokion: O Virgin, thou wast shown to be a radiant bridal-chamber for Him Who made His abode within thine incorrupt womb, Who by His will endured His blessed passion, and in His ineffable mercy granted dispassion unto all. Worshipping Him with faith, we piously magnify thee.

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Theotokos.

O thou who art truly the divine Mother of God, never cease to entreat Him Whom thou didst bear, that He grant now to thy servants remission of sins and most perfect forgiveness to them for the evils they have committed; and that He vouchsafe them everlasting bliss with all the saints.

O all-holy Theotokos, gird about my lowly soul with the might and power of the Spirit, with weaponry and dominion, and arm it with the sword of the Cross. And cleanse thou the wounds of my sin with the dew of thy love for mankind and thy great mercy.

Be thou for me a pillar of salvation, O pure one; and render the hordes of the demons impotent, dispelling the turmoil of dangers and misfortunes, driving far away the assaults of the passions, and granting us pure liberation.

O pure and all-glorious Mother of God, save those who hymn thee with love, mercifully quelling the tumults of temptation; for as thou gavest birth unto God, O Virgin, thou art able to do whatsoever thou desirest, and freely grantest mercy. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

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

Aposticha stichera of the Cross, in Tone VIII—

The staff of Moses prefigured Thy precious Cross, O our Savior; for thereby Thou savest Thy people as from the depths of the sea, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Stichos: We were filled in the morning with Thy mercy, O Lord, and we rejoiced and were glad. In all our days, let us be glad for the days wherein Thou didst humble us, for the years wherein we saw evils. And look upon Thy servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou guide their sons.

Of old the Garden of Eden put forth in its midst the tree whose fruit was eaten; but Thy Church, O Christ, hath caused the Cross to spring forth, pouring out life upon the world. The one brought death upon Adam, who ate of its fruit, but the other gave life to the thief who was saved by faith. O Christ God, Who by Thy suffering didst break the snares laid for us by the enemy, show us to share in his salvation, and vouchsafe us Thy kingdom, O Lord.

Stichos: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and the works of our hands do Thou guide aright upon us, yea, the work of our hands do Thou guide aright.

Martyricon: What shall we call you, O saints? Cherubim, for Christ rested on you. Seraphim, for ye glorified Him without ceasing. Angels, for ye rejected your bodies. Powers, for ye work miracles. Many are your names, and great your gifts. Pray ye that our souls be saved.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Stavrotheotokion—

“I cannot bear to see Thee asleep upon the Tree, Who givest wakefulness to all, that Thou mightest give divine and saving watchfulness to those who have fallen into most pernicious sleep through the fruit of disobedience!”, the Virgin, whom we magnify, said, weeping.

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

Friday at Divine Liturgy

On the Beatitudes, these troparia, in Tone VIII—

Remember us, O Christ, Savior of the world, as Thou didst remember the thief on the tree; and vouchsafe unto all Thy heavenly kingdom, O only Compassionate One.

Thou didst stretch forth Thy hands upon the Tree, O Christ, and, rebuking the princes and powers of evil, hast saved from their harm those who piously glorify Thee.

Pierced by the spear as Thou didst hang upon the Tree, Thou didst pour forth torrents of immortality upon us who mindlessly brought death upon ourselves by our transgression; wherefore, we glorify Thee with fear.

Martyricon: Strangers to all earthly pleasures which arise, the athletes gave themselves over to strange torments, wounding the apostate spirit with their wounds.

Glory…: Of Thine own will Thou didst endure suffering on the Cross, O Thou Who art One of the beginningless Trinity. Dry up all the torrents of my passions, and vouchsafe me salvation.

Now & ever…: Seeing Emmanuel, the Lamb and Word of God, hanging bodily upon the Tree, the only unblemished Ewe-lamb and Virgin was seized by grief and shed tears.