TROPARION OF THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT IN TONE EIGHT
In you, O Mother Mary, the faithful image of God shone forth, for you carried your cross and followed Christ. You taught by your deeds how to spurn the body, for it passes away and how to value the soul, for it is immortal. Wherefore you soul is forever in happiness with the angels.
TROPARION OF THE MARTYRS IN TONE THREE
Brought together by the Holy Spirit, you became a triumphant army, O illustrious forty martyrs, victorious athletes of Christ! Tried by fire and by water, you were radiantly glorified. Entreat the Most High Trinity to grant us great mercy.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(RESPONSORY—GRADUAL)
Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them:
let all round about Him bring gifts to the awesome Lord.
God is renowned in Judah; in Israel, great is His Name!
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
(for the Forty Martyrs of Sebastea)
BRETHREN: Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? — "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time at their pleasure, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
ALLELUIA
Come, let us sing to the Lord
And shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach Him with praise and thanksgiving
And sing joyful songs to the Lord.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MARK
AT THAT TIME: One And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Saturday, February 09, 2008
First Sunday of Lent
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Preparing for Lent - Triodion
The following is an expansion on an article submitted to a local newspaper.
PREPARING FOR LENT – AN EASTERN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
For Western Christians, Lent is a time of ‘giving up’. It has become an exercise in self-denial more than a preparation for Easter. As such, Ash Wednesday has become almost symbolic of the beginning of a “party’s over” somber time. This is somewhat fostered by the “party till you drop” mood of Mardi Gras. Indeed, for many “Fat Tuesday” has become a time to eat, drink, dance, sing, drink, and engage in any and every conceivable excess. (Oh, and did I say, “drink”?) This is not what the Church intends, but it is how many have come to see it.
For the Byzantine Churches, those Churches of the East, Lent is seen differently. In fact, Lent, or the “Great Fast”, is preceded by a period often called Triodion that heralds the Fast from a very different stand point. Eastern Christians begin the path to Calvary four weeks before the beginning of Lent with a Sunday known as the Pharisee and the Publican (this year, celebrated January 13th). This parable of Jesus (Luke 18:10-14) emphasizes the need for humility and recognition of God’s generous grace in loving the sinner. Rather than counting our accomplishments and virtues, we are bidden to recognize the love of God that forgives, heals and strengthens us. It inaugurates a week of simple living, with no fasting or abstinences. True faith is not about boasting but mercy.
Next comes a Sunday called the Prodigal Son (celebrated next week on January 20th) from Luke 16:11-32. Our reflection on humility leads us to recognize our need for God who Himself is ready and waiting to accept our repentance with joy and compassion. At the same time, we are warned not to judge those who may have much to repent and to not let our own self-righteousness become a barrier that separates us from our brothers and sisters. True humility and repentance open our eyes to see the solidarity of all people as children of God, who loves, cares for and welcomes each and all.
The following Sunday is devoted to the Last Judgment from Matthew 25:31-46. Here we are warned that the hands of God at work in the world are our own and how we treat others reflects the true reality and nature of our faith. God will not accept pious words that are betrayed by callous regard for those who suffer need and want. One might say that like Marley in A Christmas Carol we must recognize that “mankind is my business” and if we truly desire to live as God’s people the desire to help and comfort others should honestly and generously lead us to action. We note that these actions may be the same as those of the Pharisee, but originating in genuine and self-sacrificing love, not in the vainglory charity of praise and recognition. Tradition calls for abstinence from all meat products after this day, as we like lambs seek to live a more caring and innocent life.
Finally, the Sunday of Forgiveness, with the Gospel from Matthew 6:14-21, reminds us that we cannot progress spiritually if we hold grudges or are willing to live in the animosity our actions cause others. We must be pro-active to seek reconciliation, not only with God, but with our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, even our enemies. In Byzantine and Orthodox Churches, the Sunday of Forgiveness culminates in a forgiveness ring in which we seek and proclaim mutual forgiveness between ourselves and every member of the community.
The day after Forgiveness Sunday is called Clean Monday and is the traditional first day of Lent for Eastern Christians. From Clean Monday Tradition calls for abstinence from all dairy products. We are called to eat simple foods and so share table with the poorest of the world’s poor. Prince and pauper experience solidarity in the food of the poor: grains, vegetables, and fruit. Thus, we begin Lent on equal footing with every other human being who stands before God in need of mercy and salvation. Illusions of grandeur and false pride have no place in our Lenten journey.
This four week period prepares Eastern Christians for a Lenten observance with a deep spiritual focus. We meditate on the mercy of God and our need to move beyond ourselves with our limited and narrow views of freedom. Instead, we are offered to reflect on a God who is Love, who will literally shed his blood and offer his body for our sakes. Byzantine Lent is not about giving up, but about discovering. It is a journey that holds before us the Cross of Christ and his glorious Resurrection.
We invite all people to join us this year and make Lent a time of personal and spiritual growth. We encourage you to not wait; start today, and make your Lenten journey truly fruitful. God love you!
PREPARING FOR LENT – AN EASTERN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
For Western Christians, Lent is a time of ‘giving up’. It has become an exercise in self-denial more than a preparation for Easter. As such, Ash Wednesday has become almost symbolic of the beginning of a “party’s over” somber time. This is somewhat fostered by the “party till you drop” mood of Mardi Gras. Indeed, for many “Fat Tuesday” has become a time to eat, drink, dance, sing, drink, and engage in any and every conceivable excess. (Oh, and did I say, “drink”?) This is not what the Church intends, but it is how many have come to see it.
For the Byzantine Churches, those Churches of the East, Lent is seen differently. In fact, Lent, or the “Great Fast”, is preceded by a period often called Triodion that heralds the Fast from a very different stand point. Eastern Christians begin the path to Calvary four weeks before the beginning of Lent with a Sunday known as the Pharisee and the Publican (this year, celebrated January 13th). This parable of Jesus (Luke 18:10-14) emphasizes the need for humility and recognition of God’s generous grace in loving the sinner. Rather than counting our accomplishments and virtues, we are bidden to recognize the love of God that forgives, heals and strengthens us. It inaugurates a week of simple living, with no fasting or abstinences. True faith is not about boasting but mercy.
Next comes a Sunday called the Prodigal Son (celebrated next week on January 20th) from Luke 16:11-32. Our reflection on humility leads us to recognize our need for God who Himself is ready and waiting to accept our repentance with joy and compassion. At the same time, we are warned not to judge those who may have much to repent and to not let our own self-righteousness become a barrier that separates us from our brothers and sisters. True humility and repentance open our eyes to see the solidarity of all people as children of God, who loves, cares for and welcomes each and all.
The following Sunday is devoted to the Last Judgment from Matthew 25:31-46. Here we are warned that the hands of God at work in the world are our own and how we treat others reflects the true reality and nature of our faith. God will not accept pious words that are betrayed by callous regard for those who suffer need and want. One might say that like Marley in A Christmas Carol we must recognize that “mankind is my business” and if we truly desire to live as God’s people the desire to help and comfort others should honestly and generously lead us to action. We note that these actions may be the same as those of the Pharisee, but originating in genuine and self-sacrificing love, not in the vainglory charity of praise and recognition. Tradition calls for abstinence from all meat products after this day, as we like lambs seek to live a more caring and innocent life.
Finally, the Sunday of Forgiveness, with the Gospel from Matthew 6:14-21, reminds us that we cannot progress spiritually if we hold grudges or are willing to live in the animosity our actions cause others. We must be pro-active to seek reconciliation, not only with God, but with our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, even our enemies. In Byzantine and Orthodox Churches, the Sunday of Forgiveness culminates in a forgiveness ring in which we seek and proclaim mutual forgiveness between ourselves and every member of the community.
The day after Forgiveness Sunday is called Clean Monday and is the traditional first day of Lent for Eastern Christians. From Clean Monday Tradition calls for abstinence from all dairy products. We are called to eat simple foods and so share table with the poorest of the world’s poor. Prince and pauper experience solidarity in the food of the poor: grains, vegetables, and fruit. Thus, we begin Lent on equal footing with every other human being who stands before God in need of mercy and salvation. Illusions of grandeur and false pride have no place in our Lenten journey.
This four week period prepares Eastern Christians for a Lenten observance with a deep spiritual focus. We meditate on the mercy of God and our need to move beyond ourselves with our limited and narrow views of freedom. Instead, we are offered to reflect on a God who is Love, who will literally shed his blood and offer his body for our sakes. Byzantine Lent is not about giving up, but about discovering. It is a journey that holds before us the Cross of Christ and his glorious Resurrection.
We invite all people to join us this year and make Lent a time of personal and spiritual growth. We encourage you to not wait; start today, and make your Lenten journey truly fruitful. God love you!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
End of Triodion
The Triodion season ends on the Friday before Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday). We have together walked a journey reflecting on the Incarnation, the Cross, our unworthiness and the great mercy of our Lord. During this time we have practiced fasting and abstinence and offered our Lord the meager sufferings of our flesh in thanks for the divine Love He so freely grants us.
Saturday and Sunday before Holy Week are, as it were, a rest-stop along the way to Calvary. While we will continue our Lenten efforts of self-discipline, we pause to rejoice at the miracle that was a foretaste of our Lord's glorious Resurrection and a sign of promise for us -- the raising of Lazarus the Just from the dead. We also celebrate our Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and symbolically reenact the praise of the people in our procession with palms (and in some areas pussy willows).
Yet even as these joyous moments were themselves also harbingers of the pains our Lord would suffer in the days leading to the Cross, our celebrations are tempered with sobriety as we look forward to the services that will mystically place us along the Via Dolorosa to share with the Apostles and disciples the horror and sadness of our Lord's Passion.
We prepare to enter Holy Week with an admixture of fear and joy, sadness and hope, knowing that only through the Cross do we find the Resurrection.
My thanks to everyone who has followed this humble blog over the Lenten Season. I pray you have joyous sorrow during Holy Week and encourage you to take part in as many Holy Week services as possible. I may add a few short entries concerning the traditional Byzantine Holy Week celebrations, but otherwise will refrain from further blogging until after Pascha.
Thanks be to God! In all things, thanks be to God! His mercy is great, His Love is supreme, His longsuffering is generous, His forgiveness in invincible, and as we cling to the Cross of our salvation, let us all say: Thanks be to God!
Saturday and Sunday before Holy Week are, as it were, a rest-stop along the way to Calvary. While we will continue our Lenten efforts of self-discipline, we pause to rejoice at the miracle that was a foretaste of our Lord's glorious Resurrection and a sign of promise for us -- the raising of Lazarus the Just from the dead. We also celebrate our Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and symbolically reenact the praise of the people in our procession with palms (and in some areas pussy willows).
Yet even as these joyous moments were themselves also harbingers of the pains our Lord would suffer in the days leading to the Cross, our celebrations are tempered with sobriety as we look forward to the services that will mystically place us along the Via Dolorosa to share with the Apostles and disciples the horror and sadness of our Lord's Passion.
We prepare to enter Holy Week with an admixture of fear and joy, sadness and hope, knowing that only through the Cross do we find the Resurrection.
My thanks to everyone who has followed this humble blog over the Lenten Season. I pray you have joyous sorrow during Holy Week and encourage you to take part in as many Holy Week services as possible. I may add a few short entries concerning the traditional Byzantine Holy Week celebrations, but otherwise will refrain from further blogging until after Pascha.
Thanks be to God! In all things, thanks be to God! His mercy is great, His Love is supreme, His longsuffering is generous, His forgiveness in invincible, and as we cling to the Cross of our salvation, let us all say: Thanks be to God!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Friday of the Sixth Week of Lent
The Reading from the Epistle of St Paul to the Ephesians
Brethren: God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God -- not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Matthew
At that time: Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will give his angels charge of you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! for it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.
The Prokimenon, Alleluia and Kinonikon are the same as for the first week of Lent.
Brethren: God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God -- not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Matthew
At that time: Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will give his angels charge of you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! for it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.
The Prokimenon, Alleluia and Kinonikon are the same as for the first week of Lent.
From the Triodion
The two chosen Apostles who recognized You as One of the Trinity, O Christ, have now been sent by You to bring a colt, the foal of a beast of burden, as it is writen. You humbly sit on it, O compassionate One, who in accordance with Your plan, prepare a place on high for all who love You, and cause all those who have subdued their foolish and irrational desires to cry out to You: Hosanna!
From O Lord, to You I Cry, Vespers, Friday, Sixth Week of Lent
Deliver me, O Christ God, from being like the merciless and selfish rich man, O You who by Your Cross cleansed us from transgressions. Make me an imitator of poor Lazarus' grateful patience. Do not estrange me from the bosom of Abraham, because of Your great mercy.
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Friday, Sixth Week of Lent
From O Lord, to You I Cry, Vespers, Friday, Sixth Week of Lent
Deliver me, O Christ God, from being like the merciless and selfish rich man, O You who by Your Cross cleansed us from transgressions. Make me an imitator of poor Lazarus' grateful patience. Do not estrange me from the bosom of Abraham, because of Your great mercy.
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Friday, Sixth Week of Lent
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Thursday of the Sixth Week of Lent
The Reading from the Epistle of St Paul to the Galatians
Brethren: When the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
At that time: A ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.'" And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth."And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
The Prokimenon, Alleluia and Kinonikon are the same as for the First Week of Lent
Brethren: When the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
At that time: A ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.'" And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth."And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
The Prokimenon, Alleluia and Kinonikon are the same as for the First Week of Lent
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
From the Triodion
As You walked in the flesh, O Jesus, in the land beyond the Jordan, You said to those with You: Lazarus, our friend, is already dead and has been laid in the tomb. but I rejoice for you, friends, for you will learn that I know all things and am inseparable from God, even though by nature I appear as a man. Therefore, let us go and give life to Lazarus, so that Death may recognize this victory and the perfect consummation I shall bring about by granting to the world great mercy.
From O Lord, to You I call, Vespers, Thursday, Sixth Week of Lent
In your unshakable resolve, you never denied Christ, O holy martyrs, as you endured the most terrible torments. You triumphed over the arroagance of the tyrants and kept the faith, whole and entire, as you passed from earth to Heaven. By the confidence you have in the presence of God, pray that He grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.
Hail, O Full of Grace, Mother of Christ our God: the King of Glory revealed Himself to you and the Holy Spirit overshadowed you. By the confidence which you have before Him, intercede on our behalf for the salvation of our souls
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Thursday, Sixth Week of Lent
From O Lord, to You I call, Vespers, Thursday, Sixth Week of Lent
In your unshakable resolve, you never denied Christ, O holy martyrs, as you endured the most terrible torments. You triumphed over the arroagance of the tyrants and kept the faith, whole and entire, as you passed from earth to Heaven. By the confidence you have in the presence of God, pray that He grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.
Hail, O Full of Grace, Mother of Christ our God: the King of Glory revealed Himself to you and the Holy Spirit overshadowed you. By the confidence which you have before Him, intercede on our behalf for the salvation of our souls
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Thursday, Sixth Week of Lent
Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Lent
The Reading from the Epistle of St Paul to the Ephesians
Brethren: Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
The Lord spoke this parable: The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
The Prokimenon, Alleluia and Kinonikon are the same as for the first week of Lent
Brethren: Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
The Lord spoke this parable: The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
The Prokimenon, Alleluia and Kinonikon are the same as for the first week of Lent
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
From the Triodion
Sick from the assaults of many passions, my heart is on the way to the horrible grave of laziness to be covered with the stone of insensibility. O Savior, who by the wood of Your life-giving Cross have given life to all the dead, awaken me and give me life so that I may glorify Your divinity with awe.
From O Lord, to You I Call, Vespers, Wednesday, Sixth Week of Lent
Clothed in the God-woven purple of freedom, the fine linen of incorruption, O my soul, you have mocked your own dignity. You have sought pleasure andwealth in sin, looking down on your brethren, as the rich man on poor Lazarus. May you not be punished with the rich man. Be poor in spirit and cry out to the Lord, humbled for your sake: O You, who wore the purple of mockery before the Cross and were crucified for my sake; deliver me from eternal shame, vesting me in the robe of Your Kingdom, O Christ!
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Wednesday, Sixth Week of Lent
From O Lord, to You I Call, Vespers, Wednesday, Sixth Week of Lent
Clothed in the God-woven purple of freedom, the fine linen of incorruption, O my soul, you have mocked your own dignity. You have sought pleasure andwealth in sin, looking down on your brethren, as the rich man on poor Lazarus. May you not be punished with the rich man. Be poor in spirit and cry out to the Lord, humbled for your sake: O You, who wore the purple of mockery before the Cross and were crucified for my sake; deliver me from eternal shame, vesting me in the robe of Your Kingdom, O Christ!
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Wednesday, Sixth Week of Lent
Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Lent
The Reading from the First Epistle of St Paul to the Thessalonians
We exhort you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always,pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit,do not despise prophesying,but test everything; hold fast what is good,abstain from every form of evil.May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Mark
At that time: He charged them to tell no one about him. And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men." And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
The Prokimenon, Allleulia and Kinonikon are the same as for the First Week of Lent
We exhort you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always,pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit,do not despise prophesying,but test everything; hold fast what is good,abstain from every form of evil.May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Mark
At that time: He charged them to tell no one about him. And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men." And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
The Prokimenon, Allleulia and Kinonikon are the same as for the First Week of Lent
Monday, March 26, 2007
Monday of the Sixth Week of Lent
The Reading from the Epistle to the Hebrews
Brethren: If the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, "What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him? Thou didst make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
The Lord said: "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.
The prokimenon, alleluia, and kinonikon are the same as for the first week of Lent.
Brethren: If the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, "What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him? Thou didst make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
The Lord said: "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.
The prokimenon, alleluia, and kinonikon are the same as for the first week of Lent.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
From the Triodion
You who are rich, O Christ, have made Yourself poor and You have enriched us mortals with immortality and light. I have grown poor through the pleasures of this life; make me rich with virtues, granting me a place with the poor Lazarus, and deliver me from the punishment of the rich man and the torment of Gehenna which awaits me.
Sinfully, I have grown rich in evil. I have loved luxury and have indulged in sensual pleasures, and I deserve to be condemned, O Lord, to the fires of Hell. My mind is famished like Lazarus, and I have neglected it. It lies as an outcast before the gates of virtuous deeds. Take pity on me, O Master!
From O Lord, to You I Call, Vespers, Monday, Sixth Week of Lent
Marvelous is the Savior's providence toward us; for possessing knowledge of future things as though they were already present. He has set before us the story of the rich man and Lazarus. As we contemplate the final end of them both, let us flee the cruelty of the former and his lack of love for mankind. Let us imitate the patience and the long-suffering of the latter, that with him we may rest in the bosom of Abraham, crying aloud: O Lord and righteous Judge; glory to You!
O God of compassion, at the prayers of all the saints and of the Theotokos, grant us peace and have mercy on us!
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Monday, Sixth Week of Lent
Sinfully, I have grown rich in evil. I have loved luxury and have indulged in sensual pleasures, and I deserve to be condemned, O Lord, to the fires of Hell. My mind is famished like Lazarus, and I have neglected it. It lies as an outcast before the gates of virtuous deeds. Take pity on me, O Master!
From O Lord, to You I Call, Vespers, Monday, Sixth Week of Lent
Marvelous is the Savior's providence toward us; for possessing knowledge of future things as though they were already present. He has set before us the story of the rich man and Lazarus. As we contemplate the final end of them both, let us flee the cruelty of the former and his lack of love for mankind. Let us imitate the patience and the long-suffering of the latter, that with him we may rest in the bosom of Abraham, crying aloud: O Lord and righteous Judge; glory to You!
O God of compassion, at the prayers of all the saints and of the Theotokos, grant us peace and have mercy on us!
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Monday, Sixth Week of Lent
The Feast of the Annunciation - Fifth Sunday of Lent
See preface note of yesterday's entry.
LITTLE ENTRANCE HYMN
Proclaim the salvation of our God day after day.
Come let us worship…
O Son of God, who are risen from the dead,
save us who sing to You: Alleluia
TROPARION OF THE ANNUNCIATION IN TONE FOUR
Today is the beginning of our salvation and the revelation of the Mystery that was planned from all eternity. The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces this grace. Let us join him in crying out to the Mother of God: Hail, O full of grace; the Lord is with you! (repeat once)
KONTAKION OF THE ANNUNCIATION IN TONE EIGHT
Triumphant leader, to you belongs our praise of victory, and since you saved us from adversity we offer you our thanks: We are your people, O Mother of God. So, as you have that invincible power, continue to deliver us from danger, that we may cry out to you: Hail O Virgin and Bride ever pure.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON (RESPONSORY)
R. My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, For He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
v. From this day all generations will call me blessed.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
BRETHREN: He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will proclaim thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee." And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
ALLELUIA
Hail Mary! Full of grace, the Lord is with you!
Behold the handmaid of the Lord;
let it be done unto me according to thy word.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
MEGALYNARION
HIRMOS, 9TH ODE, CANON OF THE ANNUNCIATION IN TONE FOUR
No profane hand may touch the living Ark of God, but the lips of the faithful will never cease to sing your praise, repeating with joy the angel’s words: Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you!
COMMUNION HYMN
For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his habitation: Alleluia.
LITTLE ENTRANCE HYMN
Proclaim the salvation of our God day after day.
Come let us worship…
O Son of God, who are risen from the dead,
save us who sing to You: Alleluia
TROPARION OF THE ANNUNCIATION IN TONE FOUR
Today is the beginning of our salvation and the revelation of the Mystery that was planned from all eternity. The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces this grace. Let us join him in crying out to the Mother of God: Hail, O full of grace; the Lord is with you! (repeat once)
KONTAKION OF THE ANNUNCIATION IN TONE EIGHT
Triumphant leader, to you belongs our praise of victory, and since you saved us from adversity we offer you our thanks: We are your people, O Mother of God. So, as you have that invincible power, continue to deliver us from danger, that we may cry out to you: Hail O Virgin and Bride ever pure.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON (RESPONSORY)
R. My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, For He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
v. From this day all generations will call me blessed.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
BRETHREN: He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will proclaim thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee." And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
ALLELUIA
Hail Mary! Full of grace, the Lord is with you!
Behold the handmaid of the Lord;
let it be done unto me according to thy word.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
MEGALYNARION
HIRMOS, 9TH ODE, CANON OF THE ANNUNCIATION IN TONE FOUR
No profane hand may touch the living Ark of God, but the lips of the faithful will never cease to sing your praise, repeating with joy the angel’s words: Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you!
COMMUNION HYMN
For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his habitation: Alleluia.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Preparation of the Feast of the Annunciation
Because the Feast of the Annunciation is one of the Twelve Great Feasts (Solemnities and Holy Days of Obligation in the Byzantine Tradition), and because this year it falls on a Sunday, it takes precedent over the otherwise appointed celebration. This being so, the Paramony (Eve of the Feast) also takes proper readings.
Prokimenon
v. My soul magnifies the Lord.
r. For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
The Reading from the Epistle to the Hebrews
Brethren: Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the Holy Place yearly with blood not his own; for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Alleluia
v. Come and see what God has done: he is terrible in his deeds among men.
v. Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Mark
At that time: Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesare'a Philip'pi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Eli'jah; and others one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." And he charged them to tell no one about him. And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Kinonikon
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.
Prokimenon
v. My soul magnifies the Lord.
r. For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
The Reading from the Epistle to the Hebrews
Brethren: Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the Holy Place yearly with blood not his own; for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Alleluia
v. Come and see what God has done: he is terrible in his deeds among men.
v. Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Mark
At that time: Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesare'a Philip'pi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Eli'jah; and others one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." And he charged them to tell no one about him. And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Kinonikon
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.
Friday, March 23, 2007
From the Triodion - Akathist Saturday
Gabriel came to you, O Maiden, and disclosed God's plan which was from all eternity. He joyfully offered you his greetings and cried out: Hail, O land without human seed! Hail, O bush untouched by fire! Hail, O depth no human eyes can fathom! Hail, O fleece receiving the dew of the heavenly manna! Hail, O dissolution of the curse! Hail, O Maiden who returned Adam to grace! The Lord is with you!
The eternal mystery is revealed today. The son of God becomes the Son of Man: by sharing in what is imperfect, He makes me share in what is perfect. Of old, Adam disobeyed: He wished to become God, but failed. Now God becomes man that He might make Adam god. Let the creation rejoice, let nature sing with joy: for the Archangel stands before the Virgin with great respect and greets her with good news that takes away our sorrow. O our God, who took flesh in Your merciful compassion, glory to You!
From O Lord, to You I Call, Vespers, Saturday, Fifth Week of Lent
I left behind Your sacred precepts as if I were leaving Jerusalem. I took part in the life of Jericho, and I was dragged down by the false glory of the cares of this life. I fell among the thieves of my own thoughts, and I was stripped by them of my robe of sonship by grace. I lay, as if it were, bereft of breath by their violence. A priest passed by; he saw me lying there and paid no attention. A Levite passed me by as well, for I was something hateful to him. But You, O Lord, ineffably incarnate of the Virgin, anointed me with oil, with the blood and water of salvation freely gushing from your side. In Your tenderness, O Christ our God, bind up my wounds as with linen, and bring me to dwell in Your heavenly kingdom.
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Saturday, Fifth Week of lent
The eternal mystery is revealed today. The son of God becomes the Son of Man: by sharing in what is imperfect, He makes me share in what is perfect. Of old, Adam disobeyed: He wished to become God, but failed. Now God becomes man that He might make Adam god. Let the creation rejoice, let nature sing with joy: for the Archangel stands before the Virgin with great respect and greets her with good news that takes away our sorrow. O our God, who took flesh in Your merciful compassion, glory to You!
From O Lord, to You I Call, Vespers, Saturday, Fifth Week of Lent
I left behind Your sacred precepts as if I were leaving Jerusalem. I took part in the life of Jericho, and I was dragged down by the false glory of the cares of this life. I fell among the thieves of my own thoughts, and I was stripped by them of my robe of sonship by grace. I lay, as if it were, bereft of breath by their violence. A priest passed by; he saw me lying there and paid no attention. A Levite passed me by as well, for I was something hateful to him. But You, O Lord, ineffably incarnate of the Virgin, anointed me with oil, with the blood and water of salvation freely gushing from your side. In Your tenderness, O Christ our God, bind up my wounds as with linen, and bring me to dwell in Your heavenly kingdom.
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Saturday, Fifth Week of lent
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
From the Triodion
Desiring only the interests of my flesh, I have become the murderer of my soul. I have been made a plaything of devils and a slave of sinful pleasures. In Your compassion, spare me, for You put the demons to flight. Before I am completely lost, save me, O Lord!
I have sinned, O Christ my God; I have sinned, rejecting Your commandments. Be merciful to me, O Benefactor; that, escaping from the darkness, I may see with my inner eyes, and cry to You in awe: Before I am completely lost, save me, O Lord!
I am utterly enslaved to the passions, I have forsaken the Law and the Holy Scriptures. Heal me in every part, O loving Benefactor, who for my sake have become as I am. Turn me back, O merciful Destroyer of the passions. Before I am completely lost, save me, O Lord!
Out of eny, the author of evil drove the first-created man from Paradise. But the thief who cried out upon the Cross, "Remember me," regained Paradise once more. With faith and reverence, I also cry to You: Remember me! Befoer I am completely lost, save me, O Lord!
From O Lord, to You I call, Vespers, Thursday, Fifth Week of Lent
I fell among thieves by my reasoning. I was robbed bymy wretched mind, greatly stricken and wounded in soul. I lie, naked of grace, on the highway of life. The priest saw my hopeless wounds andpassed me by. The Levite knew my disease and turned away. You, O Christ my God, in Your love for mankind, have stooped down to me. you came, not from samaria, but from incarnation through Mary. Grant me healing by pouring out on me the oil of Your great mercy.
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Thursday, Fifth Week of Lent
I have sinned, O Christ my God; I have sinned, rejecting Your commandments. Be merciful to me, O Benefactor; that, escaping from the darkness, I may see with my inner eyes, and cry to You in awe: Before I am completely lost, save me, O Lord!
I am utterly enslaved to the passions, I have forsaken the Law and the Holy Scriptures. Heal me in every part, O loving Benefactor, who for my sake have become as I am. Turn me back, O merciful Destroyer of the passions. Before I am completely lost, save me, O Lord!
Out of eny, the author of evil drove the first-created man from Paradise. But the thief who cried out upon the Cross, "Remember me," regained Paradise once more. With faith and reverence, I also cry to You: Remember me! Befoer I am completely lost, save me, O Lord!
From O Lord, to You I call, Vespers, Thursday, Fifth Week of Lent
I fell among thieves by my reasoning. I was robbed bymy wretched mind, greatly stricken and wounded in soul. I lie, naked of grace, on the highway of life. The priest saw my hopeless wounds andpassed me by. The Levite knew my disease and turned away. You, O Christ my God, in Your love for mankind, have stooped down to me. you came, not from samaria, but from incarnation through Mary. Grant me healing by pouring out on me the oil of Your great mercy.
From the Aposticha, Vespers, Thursday, Fifth Week of Lent
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