In the Byzantine Tradition, Lent is preceded by a season sometimes called “Triodion” (literally, “three odes”, due to the use of certain tones in chant and particular hymns sung during the period). Triodion is a time to prepare for the Lenten fast; a time to contemplate the great mysteries of the human condition; a time to consider the reality of who we are before God and the Great Mercy of our Lord in claiming us as his own.
The season begins next week with the Sunday of the Pharisee and the Publican (this year falling on 28 February). In the following week, there is no fasting of any kind. Instead, we meditate on the fact that even spiritually good things, like fasting, can too easily become causes for pride and sin.
The following week is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. During that week, we only keep a fast on Wednesday and Friday.
Then comes the Sunday of the Last Judgment, also called Meatfare Sunday. Those who plan to keep a strict fast will refrain from eating meat from the Monday after Meatfare until Pascha (Easter).
The final week of Triodion begins with Forgiveness Sunday, also known as Cheesefare. This Sunday is the last time the dairy and poultry products are consumed until Pascha.
[N.B., the "fare" suffix in Meatfare and Cheesefare indicates that these are days in which we "say farewell" to meats and/or cheese products. Fasting from these foodstuffs begins on the day following the particular Sunday in question.]
Unlike the Roman Rite, in the Byzantine Tradition Lent begins on the day following Forgiveness Sunday: a day known as Clean Monday.
More information will be presented about the Triodion season and Great Lent itself in the days and weeks to come.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Hymns and Readings for the Sunday of Zacchaeus 2007
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(THEME HYMNS OF THE DAY AND CONCLUDING SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE EIGHT
You descended from on high, O Compassionate One; and consented to burial for three days, that You might free us from suffering: O Lord, our life and our resurrection, glory to You.
KONTAKION OF THE PRESENTATION IN TONE THREE
O Christ our God who through your birth have sanctified the virginal womb and have now blessed the arms of Simeon, today You have come to save us. O Lord, when wars prevail, keep your people in peace and strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed, for You alone are the Lover of Mankind.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(RESPONSORY FROM THE PSALTER)
r. Teach me thy way, O LORD;
and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
v. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
THE READING FROM THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO TIMOTHY
BRETHREN: The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.
ALLELUIA
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to thy Name, O Most High
To declare thy steadfast love in the morning,
and thy Faithfulness by night.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE
AT THAT TIME: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’ And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’
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.
(THEME HYMNS OF THE DAY AND CONCLUDING SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE EIGHT
You descended from on high, O Compassionate One; and consented to burial for three days, that You might free us from suffering: O Lord, our life and our resurrection, glory to You.
KONTAKION OF THE PRESENTATION IN TONE THREE
O Christ our God who through your birth have sanctified the virginal womb and have now blessed the arms of Simeon, today You have come to save us. O Lord, when wars prevail, keep your people in peace and strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed, for You alone are the Lover of Mankind.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(RESPONSORY FROM THE PSALTER)
r. Teach me thy way, O LORD;
and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
v. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
THE READING FROM THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO TIMOTHY
BRETHREN: The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.
ALLELUIA
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to thy Name, O Most High
To declare thy steadfast love in the morning,
and thy Faithfulness by night.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE
AT THAT TIME: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’ And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’
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.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Fr Samir on the Pope's Dialogue With Islam
Asia News Online has a very well-written article on the Holy Father's call to dialogue with Islam. The article is insightful and written with clarity and logic. The author, Fr Samir Khalil Samir, SJ, deserves praise for it, and may warrant a Google search for additional online resources.
Here are a few highlights:
Benedict's masterly lecture at Regensburg was seen by many Christians and Muslims as a false step by the Pope, a simple mistake, something to get over and forget, if we don't want to set off a war of religions. Instead, at Regensburg, this Pope traced, with his balanced, courageous and by no means trivial thinking, the basis for true dialogue between Christians and Muslims, giving voice to many reformist Muslims and suggesting to Islam and Christians the steps to be taken.
From the 9th to the 11th century Islam had integrated in its vision the Hellenistic dimension of Greek philosophy and, through this, the critical, logical and reasonable dimension. This happened thanks to the Christians that lived in the Muslim world. But, for almost a thousand years, Islam abandoned reason to continuously repropose a literal application of what was said in the past. The current crisis in the Muslim world is based on this very gap between faith and reason and, many Muslims, in various ways, are saying so.
Benedict XVI's speech did not deny the facts, but proposed that they be understood within a human context. That is, he suggested that Islam begin to undertake an interpretation of texts.
At Regensburg, Benedict XVI dared to speak of violence, the lack of reason, the necessity of interpretation in Islam, and thus many Muslim intellectuals praised him and hoped that "the Pope does not apologize." In the West, the calls for an apology were numerous, even among Christians. In effect, what had happened, however, was that the Pope's behaviour at Regensburg upset the overly irenic conception of the Church's mission and the tolerant do-goodism of lay environs. Benedict XVI made it understood that speaking the truth, saying things that hurt, is not an insult, but a path for healing. Occasionally, a bitter pill must be given.
Here are a few highlights:
To read more, click here to go to the Asia News website.
Hat Tip to Catholic World News!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
New Format
Like everyone else, I've switched to Blogger's new format (via Google).
I can't really say I'm impressed, at least, not with the initial results. As you can see by looking over the last few postings the former easy html formatting seems to cause bizarre changes in font style, size, position, etc..
We'll see how it goes over the next few weeks.
You will also note that while I've not had much 'new' to say recently, I have started posting the proper hymns and readings for the Sunday according to the Melkite typicon. This allows me to feel productive and perhaps help those who either do not or can not attend a Melkite Liturgy feel connected. I'll endeavor to keep this practice for at least awhile.
Of course, if the formatting on Blogger continues to be bothersome, I may look to migrating the whole project to another blog service.
Your comments would be appreciated, especially about a) the usefulness of the inclusion of the Liturgical materials; b) formatting issues and solutions with the new blogger; c) alternative blog service, pro and con.
I can't really say I'm impressed, at least, not with the initial results. As you can see by looking over the last few postings the former easy html formatting seems to cause bizarre changes in font style, size, position, etc..
We'll see how it goes over the next few weeks.
You will also note that while I've not had much 'new' to say recently, I have started posting the proper hymns and readings for the Sunday according to the Melkite typicon. This allows me to feel productive and perhaps help those who either do not or can not attend a Melkite Liturgy feel connected. I'll endeavor to keep this practice for at least awhile.
Of course, if the formatting on Blogger continues to be bothersome, I may look to migrating the whole project to another blog service.
Your comments would be appreciated, especially about a) the usefulness of the inclusion of the Liturgical materials; b) formatting issues and solutions with the new blogger; c) alternative blog service, pro and con.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Hymns and Readings for the Leave-Taking of Theophany
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(THEME HYMNS OF THE DAY AND CONCLUDING SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE SEVEN
You destroyed death by your Cross, You opened Paradise to the thief. You changed the weeping of the Myrrh-bearers, and commanded your Apostles to proclaim that You, O Christ God, have risen, granting to the world great mercy.
TROPARION OF THE THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD IN TONE FOUR
At your baptism in the Jordan River, O Christ, the worship due the Holy Trinity was made manifest, for the voice of the Father bore You witness by calling You “Beloved Son”, and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a Dove, confirmed the immutability of this declaration. O Christ God who came forth and filled the world with light, glory to You!
TROPARION OF OUR LADY IN TONE FOUR
Protected by your coming, O Mother of God, we the faithful solemnly celebrate today; and gazing upon your spotless image, we cry out from the depths of our hearts: “Protect us with your precious veil and deliver us from evil, by asking your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls!”
KONTAKION OF THE THEOPHANY IN TONE THREE
Today You have appeared to the world, O Lord, and your Light has shone upon us who, realizing who You are, sing to You a hymn of praise. Inaccessible Light, You have come and made yourself known!
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON (RESPONSORY FROM THE PSALTER)
Refrain: Blessed be the LORD,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
when I was beset as in a besieged city.
Verse: In thee, O LORD, do I seek refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
in thy righteousness deliver me!
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 fullness of Christ.
ALLELUIA
I will sing of thy steadfast love, O LORD, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim thy Faithfulness to all generations.
For thy steadfast Love was established for ever, thy Faithfulness is firm as the heavens.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW
AT THAT TIME: When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth He went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles -- the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’
HIRMOS IN TONE TWO
(also “Megalynarion” — Hymn to the Virgin sung after the Consecration)
O my soul, magnify the one who is more honorable and glorious than the Heavenly Powers. O Mother of God, when it comes to singing proper praise to you, every tongue and language are at a loss. Even supernatural intelligences are rapt in wonder when it comes to rendering honor to you. But in your graciousness, and because you know our holy longing to sing your praise, be pleased to accept our faith. Intercessor of Christians, we exalt you!
COMMUNION HYMN
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights! Alleluia.
The grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men! Alleluia.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Hymns and Readings for the Sunday after Theophany
and the Synaxis of
St John the Forerunner
the Sunday after Theophany
and the Synaxis of
St John the Forerunner
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(THEME HYMNS OF THE DAY AND CONCLUDING SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE SIX
The angelic Powers were around your tomb, and the guards became as dead; and Mary stood at the tomb seeking your spotless Body; then You despoiled Hades without being tried by it, and You met the Virgin, O Bestower of Life. O Lord Who rose from the dead, glory to You.
TROPARION OF THE THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD IN TONE FOUR
At your baptism in the Jordan River, O Christ, the worship due the Holy Trinity was made manifest, for the voice of the Father bore You witness by calling You “Beloved Son”, and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a Dove, confirmed the immutability of this declaration. O Christ God who came forth and filled the world with light, glory to You!
TROPARION OF ST JOHN THE FORERUNNER IN TONE TWO
The memory of the just is mentioned with praise. As for you, O Forerunner, the Lord’s witness is enough: Indeed, you were greater than the prophets since you were found worthy to baptize in the waters the One they could but announce. You have fought for the sake of Truth and proclaimed to those in Hades that God who appeared in the flesh has taken away the sins of the world and bestowed His Great Mercy upon us.
TROPARION OF OUR LADY IN TONE FOUR
Protected by your coming, O Mother of God, we the faithful solemnly celebrate today; and gazing upon your spotless image, we cry out from the depths of our hearts: “Protect us with your precious veil and deliver us from evil, by asking your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls!”
KONTAKION OF THE THEOPHANY IN TONE THREE
Today You have appeared to the world, O Lord, and your Light has shone upon us who, realizing who You are, sing to You a hymn of praise. Inaccessible Light, You have come and made yourself known!
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON (RESPONSORY FROM THE PSALTER)
Chanter: Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD, and take refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart glory! (All repeat)
Chanter: Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; Preserve my life from dread of the enemy.
All: Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD, and take refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart glory!
Chanter: Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD, and take refuge in Him!
All: Let all the upright in heart glory!
THE READING FROM THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said, ‘No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They said, ‘Into John's baptism.’ And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve of them in all. And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and pleading about the kingdom of God.
ALLELUIA
The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
They are planted in the house of the LORD, they flourish in the courts of our God.
THE READING FROM
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN
AT THAT TIME: John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, “After me comes a man Who ranks before me, for He was before me.” I myself did not know Him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel.’ And John bore witness, ‘I saw the Spirit descend as a Dove from heaven, and it remained on Him. I myself did not know Him; but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on Whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.’
HIRMOS IN TONE TWO
(Or “Megalynarion” — Hymn to the Virgin sung after the Consecration)
O my soul, magnify the one who is more honorable and glorious than the Heavenly Powers. O Mother of God, when it comes to singing proper praise to you, every tongue and language are at a loss. Even supernatural intelligences are rapt in wonder when it comes to rendering honor to you. But in your graciousness, and because you know our holy longing to sing your praise, be pleased to accept our faith. Intercessor of Christians, we exalt you!
COMMUNION HYMN
The memory of the just shall endure forever, and he shall fear no evil report. Alleluia.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Byzantine Hymns and Readings for the Theophany (Epiphany)
ANTIPHON
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of alien tongue,
Judah became his sanctuary.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us. (After each verse)
The sea beheld and fled; the Jordan River turned back.
Why is it, O Sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?
Glory … Now and ever … O Only Begotten Son …
LITTLE ENTRANCE
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
Come let us worship and fall down before Christ. O Son of God, Who in the Jordan was baptized by John: save us who sing to you: Alleluia!
TROPARION OF THE THEOPHANY IN TONE ONE
At your baptism in the Jordan River, O Christ, the worship of the Holy Trinity was made manifest, and the voice of the Father bore You witness by calling You “Beloved Son,” and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a Dove, confirmed the immutability of this declaration. O Christ God who came forth and filled the world with light, glory to You!
HYPACOE OF THE THEOPHANY IN TONE TWO
When You enlightened all things at the time of your manifestation, the sea of unbelief ebbed away and the Jordan River reversed its course, flowing uphill and carrying us to heaven. Through the prayers of your Mother, O Christ God, keep us in the loftiness of your divine commands and save us.
KONTAKION OF THE THEOPHANY IN TONE FOUR
Today You have appeared, O Lord, to the Universe, and your light, O Christ our GOD, has been impressed upon us who sing to You with full knowledge: YOu came and appreared, O Inaccesible Light.
PROKEMIENON
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ST TITUS
MY SON TITUS: The grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for Himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own Mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his Grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
ALLELUIA
Ascribe to the LORD, O Heavenly Beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;
the God of Glory thunders, the LORD, upon many waters.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW
AT THAT TIME: Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him; and Lo, a voice from Heaven, saying, "This is my Beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased."
MEGALYNARION OF THE FEAST OF THEOPHANY (HIRMOS IN TONE TWO)
O my soul, magnify the one who is more honorable and glorious than the Heavenly Powers. O Mother of God, when it comes to singing proper praise to you, every tongue and language are at a loss. Even supernatural intelligences are rapt in wonder when it comes to rendering honor to you. But in your graciousness, and because you know our holy longing to sing your praise, be pleased to accept our faith. Intercessor of Christians, we exalt you!
KINONIKON
(COMMUNION HYMN OF THE FEAST OF THEOPHANY)
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of alien tongue,
Judah became his sanctuary.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us. (After each verse)
The sea beheld and fled; the Jordan River turned back.
Why is it, O Sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?
Glory … Now and ever … O Only Begotten Son …
LITTLE ENTRANCE
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
Come let us worship and fall down before Christ. O Son of God, Who in the Jordan was baptized by John: save us who sing to you: Alleluia!
TROPARION OF THE THEOPHANY IN TONE ONE
At your baptism in the Jordan River, O Christ, the worship of the Holy Trinity was made manifest, and the voice of the Father bore You witness by calling You “Beloved Son,” and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a Dove, confirmed the immutability of this declaration. O Christ God who came forth and filled the world with light, glory to You!
HYPACOE OF THE THEOPHANY IN TONE TWO
When You enlightened all things at the time of your manifestation, the sea of unbelief ebbed away and the Jordan River reversed its course, flowing uphill and carrying us to heaven. Through the prayers of your Mother, O Christ God, keep us in the loftiness of your divine commands and save us.
KONTAKION OF THE THEOPHANY IN TONE FOUR
Today You have appeared, O Lord, to the Universe, and your light, O Christ our GOD, has been impressed upon us who sing to You with full knowledge: YOu came and appreared, O Inaccesible Light.
PROKEMIENON
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.
The Lord is God and He has appeared to us.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ST TITUS
MY SON TITUS: The grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for Himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own Mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his Grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
ALLELUIA
Ascribe to the LORD, O Heavenly Beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;
the God of Glory thunders, the LORD, upon many waters.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW
AT THAT TIME: Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him; and Lo, a voice from Heaven, saying, "This is my Beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased."
MEGALYNARION OF THE FEAST OF THEOPHANY (HIRMOS IN TONE TWO)
O my soul, magnify the one who is more honorable and glorious than the Heavenly Powers. O Mother of God, when it comes to singing proper praise to you, every tongue and language are at a loss. Even supernatural intelligences are rapt in wonder when it comes to rendering honor to you. But in your graciousness, and because you know our holy longing to sing your praise, be pleased to accept our faith. Intercessor of Christians, we exalt you!
KINONIKON
(COMMUNION HYMN OF THE FEAST OF THEOPHANY)
The Grace of God our Saviour has appeared to all men. Alleluia.
INSTEAD OF WE HAVE SEEN THE TRUE LIGHT, THE TROPARION OF THE FEAST
At your baptism in the Jordan River, O Christ, the worship of the Holy Trinity was made manifest, and the voice of the Father bore You witness by calling You “Beloved Son,” and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a Dove, confirmed the immutability of this declaration. O Christ God who came forth and filled the world with light, glory to You!
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