CHRISTIAN LIFE BEGINS WITH ARDOR OF ZEAL
There is a moment, and a very noticeable moment, which is sharply marked out in the course of our life, when a person begins to live in a Christian way. This is the moment when there begins to be present in him the distinctive characteristics of Christian life. Christian life is zeal and strength to remain in communion with God by means of an active fulfillment of His holy will, according to our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the help of the grace of God, to the glory of His most holy name.
The essence of Christian life consists in communion with God, in Christ Jesus our Lord - in a communion with God which in the beginning is usually hidden not only from others, but also from oneself. The testimony of this life that is visible or can be felt within us is the ardor of active zeal to please God alone in a Christian manner, with total self-sacrifice and hatred of everything which is opposed to this. And so, when this ardor of zeal begins, Christian life has its beginning. The person in whom this ardor is constantly active, is one who is living in a Christian way. Here we will have to stop and pay attention to this distinctive characteristic.
I am come to send fire to the earth,the Saviour said, and what will I, if it be already kindled! (Lk. 12:49). He is speaking here of Christian life, and He says this because the visible witness of this is the zeal for the pleasing of God which is in the heart by the Spirit of God. This is like fire because, just as fire devours the material which it takes hold of, so also does zeal for the life in Christ devour the soul which receives it. And just as during a time of fire the flame takes hold of the whole building, so also the fire of zeal, once it is received, embraces and fills the whole being of a man.
In another place the Lord says, For every one shall be salted with fire (Mk.9:14). This is also an indication of the fire of the spirit which in its zeal penetrates our whole being. just as salt, penetrating decomposable matter, preserves it from decomposition, so also the spirit of zeal penetrates our whole being, banishes the sin which corrupts our whole nature both in soul and in body; it banishes it even from the least of the places where it has settled in us, and thus it saves us from moral vice and corruption.
The Apostle Paul commands, Quench not the Spirit (I Thess. 5:19), to be not slothful in business; fervent in the spirit (Rom. 12:11). He commands this to all Christians so that we might remember that the fervor of the spirit, or unslothful striving, is an inseparable attribute of the Christian life. In another place he speaks of himself thus: Forgetting those things that are behind, and reaching forth unto those things that are before, I press toward the mark for the high prize of the calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14). And to others he says, So run, that ye may obtain (I Cor. 9:24). This means that in the Christian life the result of fervor of zeal is a certain quickness and liveliness of spirit, with which people undertake God-pleasing works, trampling upon oneself and willingly offering as a sacrifice to God every kind of labor, without sparing oneself.
Having a firm basis in such an understanding, one may easily conclude that a cold fulfilling of the rules of the Church, just like routine in business, which is established by our calculating mind, or like correct and dignified behavior and honesty in conduct, is not a decisive indicator that the true Christian life is present in us. All this is good, but as long as it does not bear in itself the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, it has no value at all before God. Such things would be like souless statues. Good clocks also work correctly; but who will say that there is life in them? It is the same thing here. Often thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead in reality (Apoc. 3:1).
This good order in one's conduct more than anything else can lead one into deception. Its true significance depends on one's inward disposition, where it is possible that there are significant deviations from real righteousness in one's righteous deeds. Thus, while refraining outwardly from sinful deeds, one may have an attraction for them or a delight from them in one's heart; so also, doing righteous deeds outwardly, one's heart may not be in them. Only true zeal wishes to do good in all fullness and purity, and persecutes sin in all its smallest forms. It seeks the good as its daily bread, and with sin it fights as with a mortal enemy.
An enemy hates an enemy not only personally, but he hates also relatives and friends of this enemy, and even his belongings, his favorite color, and in general anything that might remind one of him. So also, true zeal to please God persecutes sin in its smallest reminders or marks, for it is zealous for perfect purity. If this is not present, how much impurity can hide in the heart!
St. Theophan the Recluse. The Path to Salvation: A Manual of Spiritual Transformation. Trans. Fr. Seraphim Rose. California: St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 1996.
Showing posts with label Triodion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Triodion. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
St Theophan the Recluse on Living the Christian Life
The following is from the Moscow Church of Russia Website. It is a beautiful and fitting reflection on living the Christian life by St Theophan the Recluse, and quite timely reading during this week of the Publican and the Pharisee.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The Prayer of Hieroschemonk Parthenius of Kiev
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, do not permit vanity, self-love, sensuality, carelessness, anger, to rule over me and steal me from Thy love. O my Lord, my Creator, all my hope! Do not leave me without a portion in the blessed eternity; grant that I too may follow Thy holy example, that I may submit to the authorities placed over me; grant me the clean soul, the simplicity of heart, which make us worthy of Thy love.
To Thee, my God, I lift up my soul and my heart; do not allow Thy creation to perish, but free me from the single and greatest evil – sin. Grant, Lord, that I may endure anxiety and sorrows of the soul which the same patience as the joy with which I receive satisfaction of the heart. If Thou desirest, Lord, Thou canst cleanse and sanctify me. Here, I commit myself to Thy mercy, begging to destroy in me all that is offensive to Thee, and to unite me to the assembly of Thy chosen.
O Lord, take from me idleness of spirit, which destroys time; vanity of thoughts, which hinders Thy presence and distracts my attention in prayer; if, while in prayer, I turn away from Thee in my thoughts, help me, so that this distraction may not be willful, and that averting my mind, I may not avert my heart from Thee.
I confess to Thee, my Lord God, all the sins of my wickedness, committed before Thee, now and in the past; forgive me for them, for the sake of Thy holy name, and save my soul, which Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious Blood. I entrust myself to Thy mercy; I submit to Thy will; do with me according to Thy mercy, and not according to my evil and wickedness; teach me, Lord, to dispose my deeds so that they will serve in glorifying Thy holy name.
Take pity, O Lord, on all Christians, hear the wants of all who cry out to Thee; deliver from all evil; save Thy servants NN.; send them comfort, consolation in sorrows, and Thy holy mercy. Lord, I pray to Thee especially in sorrows, and Thy holy mercy. Lord, I pray to Thee especially for those who have in any way insulted, abused, and grieved me; do not punish them for the sake of me, a sinner, but pour Thy mercy upon them…
O Lord! I pray to Thee for all those whom I, a sinner, insulted, or tempted, in word, deed, thought, knowingly and unknowingly. Lord God! Forgive us our sins and mutual offenses; dispel, Lord, from our hearts all indignation, suspicion, anger, remembrance of evil, quarrels, and all that might hinder and lessen brotherly love.
Be merciful, Lord, to those who have entrusted me, an unworthy sinner, to pray for them. Be merciful, Lord, to all who ask Thy help. Lord! Make this day a day of Thy mercy; give to each according to his petition; be the shepherd for the lost, the guide and light of unbelievers, the teacher of the unwise, the father of orphans, the helper of the oppressed, the healer of the sick, the comforter of the dying, and lead us all to the desired end, to Thee, our refuge and blessed repose. Amen.
To Thee, my God, I lift up my soul and my heart; do not allow Thy creation to perish, but free me from the single and greatest evil – sin. Grant, Lord, that I may endure anxiety and sorrows of the soul which the same patience as the joy with which I receive satisfaction of the heart. If Thou desirest, Lord, Thou canst cleanse and sanctify me. Here, I commit myself to Thy mercy, begging to destroy in me all that is offensive to Thee, and to unite me to the assembly of Thy chosen.
O Lord, take from me idleness of spirit, which destroys time; vanity of thoughts, which hinders Thy presence and distracts my attention in prayer; if, while in prayer, I turn away from Thee in my thoughts, help me, so that this distraction may not be willful, and that averting my mind, I may not avert my heart from Thee.
I confess to Thee, my Lord God, all the sins of my wickedness, committed before Thee, now and in the past; forgive me for them, for the sake of Thy holy name, and save my soul, which Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious Blood. I entrust myself to Thy mercy; I submit to Thy will; do with me according to Thy mercy, and not according to my evil and wickedness; teach me, Lord, to dispose my deeds so that they will serve in glorifying Thy holy name.
Take pity, O Lord, on all Christians, hear the wants of all who cry out to Thee; deliver from all evil; save Thy servants NN.; send them comfort, consolation in sorrows, and Thy holy mercy. Lord, I pray to Thee especially in sorrows, and Thy holy mercy. Lord, I pray to Thee especially for those who have in any way insulted, abused, and grieved me; do not punish them for the sake of me, a sinner, but pour Thy mercy upon them…
O Lord! I pray to Thee for all those whom I, a sinner, insulted, or tempted, in word, deed, thought, knowingly and unknowingly. Lord God! Forgive us our sins and mutual offenses; dispel, Lord, from our hearts all indignation, suspicion, anger, remembrance of evil, quarrels, and all that might hinder and lessen brotherly love.
Be merciful, Lord, to those who have entrusted me, an unworthy sinner, to pray for them. Be merciful, Lord, to all who ask Thy help. Lord! Make this day a day of Thy mercy; give to each according to his petition; be the shepherd for the lost, the guide and light of unbelievers, the teacher of the unwise, the father of orphans, the helper of the oppressed, the healer of the sick, the comforter of the dying, and lead us all to the desired end, to Thee, our refuge and blessed repose. Amen.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Sunday of the Entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem
PALM SUNDAY
Festal Tone - Festal Eothinon
ENTRANCE HYMN
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
O Son of God, who entered Jerusalem in great glory,
save us who sing to you: Alleluia!
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(HYMNS OF THE DAY AND SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE ONE
O Christ God, when you raised Lazarus from the dead, before the time of your passion, you confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before you the symbols of your triumph and victory and cry out to you, the Conqueror of Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (twice)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE FOUR
O Christ God, we have been buried with you in baptism: wherefore we merited eternal life through your resurrection. We cry out to you, singing a hymn of praise: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (once)
KONTAKION OF THE FEAST IN TONE SIX
O Christ God, enthroned in heaven, and on earth riding upon an ass: You have accepted the praise of the angels and the hymns of the children who were crying out to you: Blessed are you who come to restore Adam.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(RESPONSORY or GRADUAL)
Blessed be he who comes in the name of the LORD!
God is the Lord, and He has appeared to us.
Sing to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE PHILEMON
BRETHREN: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
ALLELUIA
O sing to the LORD a new song, for the Lord has done wonderful works!
All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
MEGALYNARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE FOUR
The Lord is God and he has appeared to us. Therefore let us celebrate and sing for joy. Come, let us glorify Christ, and with palms and branches, sing to him canticles of praise: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord our Saviour!
KINONIKON
(COMMUNION HYMN)
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
POST-COMMUNION HYMN
O Christ God, when You raised Lazarus from the dead before the time of your passion, You confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before You the symbols of victory, and cry out to You O conqueror of death: Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Festal Tone - Festal Eothinon
ENTRANCE HYMN
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
O Son of God, who entered Jerusalem in great glory,
save us who sing to you: Alleluia!
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(HYMNS OF THE DAY AND SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE ONE
O Christ God, when you raised Lazarus from the dead, before the time of your passion, you confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before you the symbols of your triumph and victory and cry out to you, the Conqueror of Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (twice)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE FOUR
O Christ God, we have been buried with you in baptism: wherefore we merited eternal life through your resurrection. We cry out to you, singing a hymn of praise: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (once)
KONTAKION OF THE FEAST IN TONE SIX
O Christ God, enthroned in heaven, and on earth riding upon an ass: You have accepted the praise of the angels and the hymns of the children who were crying out to you: Blessed are you who come to restore Adam.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(RESPONSORY or GRADUAL)
Blessed be he who comes in the name of the LORD!
God is the Lord, and He has appeared to us.
Sing to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE PHILEMON
BRETHREN: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
ALLELUIA
O sing to the LORD a new song, for the Lord has done wonderful works!
All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
MEGALYNARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE FOUR
The Lord is God and he has appeared to us. Therefore let us celebrate and sing for joy. Come, let us glorify Christ, and with palms and branches, sing to him canticles of praise: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord our Saviour!
KINONIKON
(COMMUNION HYMN)
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
POST-COMMUNION HYMN
O Christ God, when You raised Lazarus from the dead before the time of your passion, You confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before You the symbols of victory, and cry out to You O conqueror of death: Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Saturday of St Lazarus
Saturday of Lazarus
Festal Tone - Festal Eothinon
ENTRANCE HYMN
O Son of God, who are risen from the dead,
save us who sing to you: Alleluia!
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(HYMNS OF THE DAY AND SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE ONE
O Christ God, when you raised Lazarus from the dead, before the time of your passion, you confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before you the symbols of your triumph and victory and cry out to you, the Conqueror of Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (three times)
KONTAKION OF THE FEAST IN TONE TWO
Christ, the Joy of All, Truth, Light, Life and Resurrection of the world, appeared to men on earth in His great generosity, becoming the first example of the Resurrection and granting Divine Mercy to all.
Instead of “Holy God…”
As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia!
PROKIMENON
The lord is my light and my savior! Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
Brethren: Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never fail you nor forsake you." Hence we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
ALLELUIA
The lord reigns! He is robed in majesty!
He has established the world so that it shall never be moved!
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN
At that time: A certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go into Judea again." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." Thus he spoke, and then he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep." The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead; and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world." When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying quietly, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw him, fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled; and he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb; it was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I knew that thou hearest me always, but I have said this on account of the people standing by, that they may believe that thou didst send me." When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him.
HIRMOS IN TONE EIGHT
Come, you nations of the world: Let us honor with hymns of glory the pure Mother of God who carried Divine Fire in her womb and yet was not burned. Let us magnify her with constant hymns of praise.
KINONIKON
From the mouth of sucklings and babes You have prepared a hymn. Alleluia
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Synaxarion of Palm Sunday
Ikos
O Immortal Lord, You have bound Hades, slain Death, and raised up the world. Therefore, the children, carrying psalms, sing praise to You as Victor, O Christ, and they cry aloud to You this day: "Hosanna to the Son of David! No longer shall the little children be slaughtered because of Mary's Child," they say, "because You alone are Crucified for all, both young and old! No more shall the sword be drawn against us, for Your side is pierced with a lance. With great rejoicing, then, we cry out: 'Blessed are You who come to restore Adam!'"
Synaxarion
On this day, which is Palm Sunday, we celebrate the glorious and radiant Feast of the Entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
He who once stretched out the sky as a tent-cloth by His divine word, today is seated upon the foal of a donkey, seeking to raise mankind who had fallen and become like beasts.
Wherefore, through Your indescribable mercy, O Christ, enable us to overcome our beastly passions; and make us worthy to behold Your brilliant triumph over Death and Your wondrous and life-giving Resurrection; and have mercy on us. Amen.
O Immortal Lord, You have bound Hades, slain Death, and raised up the world. Therefore, the children, carrying psalms, sing praise to You as Victor, O Christ, and they cry aloud to You this day: "Hosanna to the Son of David! No longer shall the little children be slaughtered because of Mary's Child," they say, "because You alone are Crucified for all, both young and old! No more shall the sword be drawn against us, for Your side is pierced with a lance. With great rejoicing, then, we cry out: 'Blessed are You who come to restore Adam!'"
Synaxarion
On this day, which is Palm Sunday, we celebrate the glorious and radiant Feast of the Entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
He who once stretched out the sky as a tent-cloth by His divine word, today is seated upon the foal of a donkey, seeking to raise mankind who had fallen and become like beasts.
Wherefore, through Your indescribable mercy, O Christ, enable us to overcome our beastly passions; and make us worthy to behold Your brilliant triumph over Death and Your wondrous and life-giving Resurrection; and have mercy on us. Amen.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Palm Sunday
PALM SUNDAY
Festal Tone - Festal Eothinon
ENTRANCE HYMN
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
O Son of God, who entered Jerusalem in great glory,
save us who sing to you: Alleluia!
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(HYMNS OF THE DAY AND SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE ONE
O Christ God, when you raised Lazarus from the dead, before the time of your passion, you confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before you the symbols of your triumph and victory and cry out to you, the Conqueror of Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (twice)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE FOUR
O Christ God, we have been buried with you in baptism: wherefore we merited eternal life through your resurrection. We cry out to you, singing a hymn of praise: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (once)
KONTAKION OF THE FEAST IN TONE SIX
O Christ God, enthroned in heaven, and on earth riding upon an ass: You have accepted the praise of the angels and the hymns of the children who were crying out to you: Blessed are you who come to restore Adam.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(RESPONSORY or GRADUAL)
Blessed be he who comes in the name of the LORD!
God is the Lord, and He has appeared to us.
Sing to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE PHILEMON
BRETHREN: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
ALLELUIA
O sing to the LORD a new song, for the Lord has done wonderful works!
All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
MEGALYNARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE FOUR
The Lord is God and he has appeared to us. Therefore let us celebrate and sing for joy. Come, let us glorify Christ, and with palms and branches, sing to him canticles of praise: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord our Saviour!
KINONIKON
(COMMUNION HYMN)
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
POST-COMMUNION HYMN
O Christ God, when You raised Lazarus from the dead before the time of your passion, You confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before You the symbols of victory, and cry out to You O conqueror of death: Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Festal Tone - Festal Eothinon
ENTRANCE HYMN
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
O Son of God, who entered Jerusalem in great glory,
save us who sing to you: Alleluia!
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(HYMNS OF THE DAY AND SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE ONE
O Christ God, when you raised Lazarus from the dead, before the time of your passion, you confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before you the symbols of your triumph and victory and cry out to you, the Conqueror of Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (twice)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE FOUR
O Christ God, we have been buried with you in baptism: wherefore we merited eternal life through your resurrection. We cry out to you, singing a hymn of praise: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (once)
KONTAKION OF THE FEAST IN TONE SIX
O Christ God, enthroned in heaven, and on earth riding upon an ass: You have accepted the praise of the angels and the hymns of the children who were crying out to you: Blessed are you who come to restore Adam.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(RESPONSORY or GRADUAL)
Blessed be he who comes in the name of the LORD!
God is the Lord, and He has appeared to us.
Sing to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE PHILEMON
BRETHREN: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
ALLELUIA
O sing to the LORD a new song, for the Lord has done wonderful works!
All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
MEGALYNARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE FOUR
The Lord is God and he has appeared to us. Therefore let us celebrate and sing for joy. Come, let us glorify Christ, and with palms and branches, sing to him canticles of praise: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord our Saviour!
KINONIKON
(COMMUNION HYMN)
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
POST-COMMUNION HYMN
O Christ God, when You raised Lazarus from the dead before the time of your passion, You confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before You the symbols of victory, and cry out to You O conqueror of death: Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Saturday of Lazarus
Saturday of Lazarus
Festal Tone - Festal Eothinon
ENTRANCE HYMN
O Son of God, who are risen from the dead,
save us who sing to you: Alleluia!
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(HYMNS OF THE DAY AND SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE ONE
O Christ God, when you raised Lazarus from the dead, before the time of your passion, you confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before you the symbols of your triumph and victory and cry out to you, the Conqueror of Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (three times)
KONTAKION OF THE FEAST IN TONE TWO
Christ, the Joy of All, Truth, Light, Life and Resurrection of the world, appeared to men on earth in His great generosity, becoming the first example of the Resurrection and granting Divine Mercy to all.
Instead of “Holy God…”
As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia!
PROKIMENON
The lord is my light and my savior! Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
Brethren: Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never fail you nor forsake you." Hence we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
ALLELUIA
The lord reigns! He is robed in majesty!
He has established the world so that it shall never be moved!
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN
At that time: A certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go into Judea again." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." Thus he spoke, and then he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep." The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead; and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world." When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying quietly, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw him, fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled; and he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb; it was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I knew that thou hearest me always, but I have said this on account of the people standing by, that they may believe that thou didst send me." When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him.
HIRMOS IN TONE EIGHT
Come, you nations of the world: Let us honor with hymns of glory the pure Mother of God who carried Divine Fire in her womb and yet was not burned. Let us magnify her with constant hymns of praise.
KINONIKON
From the mouth of sucklings and babes You have prepared a hymn. Alleluia
Festal Tone - Festal Eothinon
ENTRANCE HYMN
O Son of God, who are risen from the dead,
save us who sing to you: Alleluia!
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(HYMNS OF THE DAY AND SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE ONE
O Christ God, when you raised Lazarus from the dead, before the time of your passion, you confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before you the symbols of your triumph and victory and cry out to you, the Conqueror of Death: Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. (three times)
KONTAKION OF THE FEAST IN TONE TWO
Christ, the Joy of All, Truth, Light, Life and Resurrection of the world, appeared to men on earth in His great generosity, becoming the first example of the Resurrection and granting Divine Mercy to all.
Instead of “Holy God…”
As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia!
PROKIMENON
The lord is my light and my savior! Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
Brethren: Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never fail you nor forsake you." Hence we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
ALLELUIA
The lord reigns! He is robed in majesty!
He has established the world so that it shall never be moved!
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN
At that time: A certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go into Judea again." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any one walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if any one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." Thus he spoke, and then he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep." The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead; and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world." When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying quietly, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw him, fell at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled; and he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb; it was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I knew that thou hearest me always, but I have said this on account of the people standing by, that they may believe that thou didst send me." When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him.
HIRMOS IN TONE EIGHT
Come, you nations of the world: Let us honor with hymns of glory the pure Mother of God who carried Divine Fire in her womb and yet was not burned. Let us magnify her with constant hymns of praise.
KINONIKON
From the mouth of sucklings and babes You have prepared a hymn. Alleluia
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Fifth Sunday of Lent
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."
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."
Synaxarion for the Fifth Sunday of Lent
On this day, the fifth Sunday of the Fast, we commemorate our venerable mother Mary of Egypt.
The soul leaves the flesh emaciated to the very bones. O earth, cover these bleached bones, the remains of Mary.
By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
The soul leaves the flesh emaciated to the very bones. O earth, cover these bleached bones, the remains of Mary.
By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Synaxarion of the Fourth Sunday of Lent
Kontakion of John Climacos in Tone One
O wise and blessed John, you gave us your teachings as fruits ever ripe to liven the hearts of those who hear them well. Your doctrine is like as ladder that leads to heavenly and everlasting glory the souls of those who honor you, O father John our teacher.
Ikos
O our father, you have become the dwelling place of God; you shine with your virtues, with faith, hope and love, as the most pure gold; you expound the divine precepts, and practiced asceticism as one who was liberated from the flesh. You acquired wisdom, courage, chastity, and humility, by which you were raised on high. Illuminated by constant prayer, you attained the tabernacles of Heaven, O father John, our teacher.
Synaxarion
On this same day, the fourth Sunday of the Fast, we celebrate the memory of our Father John, the author of “The Ladder.”
O John, while living, you seemed dead to the body. Now that you appear dead and without breath, you live forever. You left your book, through which you ascended on high, clearly teaching the ladder of ascent to Heaven to everyone.
By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
O wise and blessed John, you gave us your teachings as fruits ever ripe to liven the hearts of those who hear them well. Your doctrine is like as ladder that leads to heavenly and everlasting glory the souls of those who honor you, O father John our teacher.
Ikos
O our father, you have become the dwelling place of God; you shine with your virtues, with faith, hope and love, as the most pure gold; you expound the divine precepts, and practiced asceticism as one who was liberated from the flesh. You acquired wisdom, courage, chastity, and humility, by which you were raised on high. Illuminated by constant prayer, you attained the tabernacles of Heaven, O father John, our teacher.
Synaxarion
On this same day, the fourth Sunday of the Fast, we celebrate the memory of our Father John, the author of “The Ladder.”
O John, while living, you seemed dead to the body. Now that you appear dead and without breath, you live forever. You left your book, through which you ascended on high, clearly teaching the ladder of ascent to Heaven to everyone.
By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Synaxarion of the Third Sunday of Lent
Kontakion in Tone Seven
The Angel's fiery sword will no longer guard the gate of Paradise, for the Cross of the Lord has put it out wondrously. The power of Death has been broken, the victory of Hades wiped out, and You, my Savior, have stood up and called out to all those bound in Hell: "Come now; enter again into Paradise!"
Ikos
Pilate set up three crosses on Golgotha, two for the thieves and one for the Lord of life. Seeing this, Hades asked its servants: "Who has driven this spear into my heart? A wooden lance has pierced me, and I am torn apart. What pain has penetrated my womb and my heart! What sorrow stabs my spirit! I am forced to give up Adam and his children, those whom I had received from the forbidden Tree; for the new Tree leads them to enter again into Paradise.
Synaxarion
On this day, the third Sunday of the Fast, we celebrate the feast of the veneration of the precious and life-giving Cross.
Let the whole creation bow down in woship before You, O Word, as it venerates Your life-giving Cross.
Wherefore, through its power, O Christ our God, protect us against the snares of the evil one, make us worthy to pass safely through the struggle of the Fast. May we adore Your divine Passion and Your life-giving Resurrection. Have mercy on us, for You alone are good and the Lover of Mankind. Amen.
The Angel's fiery sword will no longer guard the gate of Paradise, for the Cross of the Lord has put it out wondrously. The power of Death has been broken, the victory of Hades wiped out, and You, my Savior, have stood up and called out to all those bound in Hell: "Come now; enter again into Paradise!"
Ikos
Pilate set up three crosses on Golgotha, two for the thieves and one for the Lord of life. Seeing this, Hades asked its servants: "Who has driven this spear into my heart? A wooden lance has pierced me, and I am torn apart. What pain has penetrated my womb and my heart! What sorrow stabs my spirit! I am forced to give up Adam and his children, those whom I had received from the forbidden Tree; for the new Tree leads them to enter again into Paradise.
Synaxarion
On this day, the third Sunday of the Fast, we celebrate the feast of the veneration of the precious and life-giving Cross.
Let the whole creation bow down in woship before You, O Word, as it venerates Your life-giving Cross.
Wherefore, through its power, O Christ our God, protect us against the snares of the evil one, make us worthy to pass safely through the struggle of the Fast. May we adore Your divine Passion and Your life-giving Resurrection. Have mercy on us, for You alone are good and the Lover of Mankind. Amen.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Synaxarion of the Second Sunday of Lent
Kontakion of the Holy Relics in Tone Eight
Through penance and mortification, the holy martyrs of Christ have overcome the disorder of their burning passions. During their lifetime, they had received the grace of healing the sick; after their death, they have the power of performing miracles. It is a great marvel indeed that healing should come forth from mere bones. Glory to the Creator, to God alone!
Kontakion of Gregory in Tone Eight
Holy and divine instrument of wisdom, joyful trumpet of theology, with one accord we sing your praises, O Gregory inspired by God! But since you stand now in mind and spirit before the Original Mind, guide our minds to Him, O father, that we may cry out to you: "Hail, O preacher of grace!"
Ikos
You appeared on earth as an angelic messenger, proclaiming to mortal men the mysteries of God. Endowed with a human mind and flesh, yet speaking with the voice of the bodiless powers, you have filled us with amazement, O saint inspired by God, and made us cry aloud to you: "Hail, for through you the darkness is dispelled! Hail, for through you the light has returned! Hail, messenger of the uncreated Divinity! Hail, reprover of the created folly! Hail, height impossible to climb that tells us of God's nature! Hail, depth hard to scan, which speaks of His energy! Hail, for you have rightly proclaimed His glory! Hail, torch that shows us the Sun! Hail, cup filled with nectar! Hail, for through you the truth has shone forth! Hail, for through you falsehood has been plunged into darkness. Hail, preacher of grace!"
Synaxarion
On this second Sunday of the Great Fast, we commemorate our holy father Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica.
Truly, the great preacher of the wondrous and brilliant Light has been led by the Fount of Light into unsetting Light.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.
Through penance and mortification, the holy martyrs of Christ have overcome the disorder of their burning passions. During their lifetime, they had received the grace of healing the sick; after their death, they have the power of performing miracles. It is a great marvel indeed that healing should come forth from mere bones. Glory to the Creator, to God alone!
Kontakion of Gregory in Tone Eight
Holy and divine instrument of wisdom, joyful trumpet of theology, with one accord we sing your praises, O Gregory inspired by God! But since you stand now in mind and spirit before the Original Mind, guide our minds to Him, O father, that we may cry out to you: "Hail, O preacher of grace!"
Ikos
You appeared on earth as an angelic messenger, proclaiming to mortal men the mysteries of God. Endowed with a human mind and flesh, yet speaking with the voice of the bodiless powers, you have filled us with amazement, O saint inspired by God, and made us cry aloud to you: "Hail, for through you the darkness is dispelled! Hail, for through you the light has returned! Hail, messenger of the uncreated Divinity! Hail, reprover of the created folly! Hail, height impossible to climb that tells us of God's nature! Hail, depth hard to scan, which speaks of His energy! Hail, for you have rightly proclaimed His glory! Hail, torch that shows us the Sun! Hail, cup filled with nectar! Hail, for through you the truth has shone forth! Hail, for through you falsehood has been plunged into darkness. Hail, preacher of grace!"
Synaxarion
On this second Sunday of the Great Fast, we commemorate our holy father Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica.
Truly, the great preacher of the wondrous and brilliant Light has been led by the Fount of Light into unsetting Light.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Synaxarion - Sunday of Orthodoxy
Ikos
The mystery of our salvation was once announced by the divinely-inspired prophets. They foretold this illumination for us who have arrived at the last days. By it, we receive knowledge of God, the one God and Lord, glorified in Three Persons; and we werve Him alone, having one Faith and one Baptism, we have put on Christ. Wherefore, we confess our salvation in word and in deed, and we restore our likeness to God.
Synaxarion
On this same day, the First Sunday of Lent, we commemorate the restoration of the holy icons, which came about in the reign of Michael, Emperor of Constantinople, and his mother Theodora, of eternal memory, and under the pontificate of the holy Patriarch and confessor Methodios.
The icons had once been banished; I exult as I see their veneration restored.
At the prayers of You holy Confessors, O Christ, immutable Icon of the Father, take pity on us. Amen.
The mystery of our salvation was once announced by the divinely-inspired prophets. They foretold this illumination for us who have arrived at the last days. By it, we receive knowledge of God, the one God and Lord, glorified in Three Persons; and we werve Him alone, having one Faith and one Baptism, we have put on Christ. Wherefore, we confess our salvation in word and in deed, and we restore our likeness to God.
Synaxarion
On this same day, the First Sunday of Lent, we commemorate the restoration of the holy icons, which came about in the reign of Michael, Emperor of Constantinople, and his mother Theodora, of eternal memory, and under the pontificate of the holy Patriarch and confessor Methodios.
The icons had once been banished; I exult as I see their veneration restored.
At the prayers of You holy Confessors, O Christ, immutable Icon of the Father, take pity on us. Amen.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
First Sunday of Lent
From the Triodion - Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Troparion of Theodore in Tone Two
Faith can accomplish great things: because of its power, through it the Holy Great Martyr Theodore rejoiced in the midst of the flames as if he had been in refreshing water. Burned by the flames, he was offered to the Holy Trinity as delightful bread. Through his intercessions, O Christ God, save our souls.
Kontakion of Theodore in Tone Eight
Your faith in Christ was like a breastplate on our heart. Through it, you overcame the enemies' power; wherefore, you are crowned in eternity with a heavenly diadem.
Ikos
O You who are seated on a throne of light, with faith and thankfulness we sing Your praise. For You have granted us a "Gift of God", Theodore, courageous in his martyrdom, thrice-blessed in his life, the champion of the truth. With firm devotion, he held fast to Christ and proved to be a mighty victor over the deceitful Enemy, wherefore he was crowned in eternity with a heavenly diadem.
Synaxarion
On the same day, the Saturday of the first week of the Great Fast, we celebrate the splendid miracle which ws performed by the glorious among the martyrs, Theodore the Recruit, through the boiled wheat.
By boiled wheat, Theodore has fed the city, frustrating the deception of the food polluted by impiety.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Faith can accomplish great things: because of its power, through it the Holy Great Martyr Theodore rejoiced in the midst of the flames as if he had been in refreshing water. Burned by the flames, he was offered to the Holy Trinity as delightful bread. Through his intercessions, O Christ God, save our souls.
Kontakion of Theodore in Tone Eight
Your faith in Christ was like a breastplate on our heart. Through it, you overcame the enemies' power; wherefore, you are crowned in eternity with a heavenly diadem.
Ikos
O You who are seated on a throne of light, with faith and thankfulness we sing Your praise. For You have granted us a "Gift of God", Theodore, courageous in his martyrdom, thrice-blessed in his life, the champion of the truth. With firm devotion, he held fast to Christ and proved to be a mighty victor over the deceitful Enemy, wherefore he was crowned in eternity with a heavenly diadem.
Synaxarion
On the same day, the Saturday of the first week of the Great Fast, we celebrate the splendid miracle which ws performed by the glorious among the martyrs, Theodore the Recruit, through the boiled wheat.
By boiled wheat, Theodore has fed the city, frustrating the deception of the food polluted by impiety.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Synaxarion - Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare)
Ikos
Banished from the joys of Paradise, Adam sat outside and wept; and beating his hands upon his face, he said: "In Your compassion, have mercy on me who have fallen!" When Adam saw the angel drive him out and shut the door of the divine garden, he groaned aloud and said: "In Your compassion, have mercy on me who have fallen!" O Paradise, share in the sorrow of your master who is brought to poverty, and with the sound of your leaves, pray to the Creator that He may not keep your gate closed forever. O Merciful One, have mercy on me who have fallen! O Paradise, perfect, all-holy, and blessed, planted for Adam's sake and shut because of Eve, pray to God for the fallen! O Merciful One, have mercy on me who have fallen!
Synaxarion
On this day, we commemorate the expulsion of Adam, our first father, from the Paradise of delights.
Together with Adam and Eve, bitterly fallen, let the whole human race weep over the loss of Paradise.
Through Your ineffable compassion, O Christ our God, make us worthy of the delights of Paradise; and in Your love for mankind, take pity on us. Amen.
Banished from the joys of Paradise, Adam sat outside and wept; and beating his hands upon his face, he said: "In Your compassion, have mercy on me who have fallen!" When Adam saw the angel drive him out and shut the door of the divine garden, he groaned aloud and said: "In Your compassion, have mercy on me who have fallen!" O Paradise, share in the sorrow of your master who is brought to poverty, and with the sound of your leaves, pray to the Creator that He may not keep your gate closed forever. O Merciful One, have mercy on me who have fallen! O Paradise, perfect, all-holy, and blessed, planted for Adam's sake and shut because of Eve, pray to God for the fallen! O Merciful One, have mercy on me who have fallen!
Synaxarion
On this day, we commemorate the expulsion of Adam, our first father, from the Paradise of delights.
Together with Adam and Eve, bitterly fallen, let the whole human race weep over the loss of Paradise.
Through Your ineffable compassion, O Christ our God, make us worthy of the delights of Paradise; and in Your love for mankind, take pity on us. Amen.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Hymns and Readings - Sunday of Forgiveness
3 February 2008
Cheesefare Sunday
Synaxis of Simeon the Just and Anna the Prophetess
Tone Three - Eothinon Three
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(Theme hymns of the day and concluding seasonal hymn)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE THREE
Let all in Heaven rejoice and all on earth be glad. For the Lord has exerted power with His arm: By death He has trampled upon death and has become the first-born from the dead. He has delivered us from the bosom of Hades and has granted to the world great mercy.
KONTAKION OF THE SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS IN TONE SIX
O You who guide men towards wisdom and give them intelligence and understanding, Instructor of the ignorant and Helper of the poor: strengthen and enlighten my heart, O Lord; give me word, O Word of the Father, for behold I will not refrain my lips from crying out to You: O Merciful One, have mercy on me who have fallen.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(Responsory from the Psalter)
Sing praise to our God, sing praise!
Sing praise to our King, sing praise!
All you peoples, clap your hands!
Shout to God with cries of gladness.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE ROMANS
BRETHREN: Our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Master is able to make him stand.
ALLELUIA
In You, O Lord, I have hoped: let me never be put to shame.
In Your Just ice, save me and deliver me.
Be for me a protecting God, a sheltering house to save me.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW
The Lord said: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
HIRMOS IN TONE THREE
(also call the “Megalynarion” — Hymn to the Virgin)
It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, who are ever blessed and all blameless and the Mother of our God; more honored than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: You who without stain did bear God the Word, you are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
COMMUNION HYMN
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights! Alleluia.
Cheesefare Sunday
Synaxis of Simeon the Just and Anna the Prophetess
Tone Three - Eothinon Three
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(Theme hymns of the day and concluding seasonal hymn)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE THREE
Let all in Heaven rejoice and all on earth be glad. For the Lord has exerted power with His arm: By death He has trampled upon death and has become the first-born from the dead. He has delivered us from the bosom of Hades and has granted to the world great mercy.
KONTAKION OF THE SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS IN TONE SIX
O You who guide men towards wisdom and give them intelligence and understanding, Instructor of the ignorant and Helper of the poor: strengthen and enlighten my heart, O Lord; give me word, O Word of the Father, for behold I will not refrain my lips from crying out to You: O Merciful One, have mercy on me who have fallen.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(Responsory from the Psalter)
Sing praise to our God, sing praise!
Sing praise to our King, sing praise!
All you peoples, clap your hands!
Shout to God with cries of gladness.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE ROMANS
BRETHREN: Our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Master is able to make him stand.
ALLELUIA
In You, O Lord, I have hoped: let me never be put to shame.
In Your Just ice, save me and deliver me.
Be for me a protecting God, a sheltering house to save me.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW
The Lord said: If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
HIRMOS IN TONE THREE
(also call the “Megalynarion” — Hymn to the Virgin)
It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, who are ever blessed and all blameless and the Mother of our God; more honored than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: You who without stain did bear God the Word, you are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
COMMUNION HYMN
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights! Alleluia.
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