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Pentecostarion

Sunday of the Blindman

Menaion - May 25

Third Finding of the Forerunner’s Head

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 1.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Apolytikion.

Mode pl. 1. Automelon.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

As the Father and Spirit are unoriginate, * so the Word, who was born from the Virgin for us. * Let us praise Him, O believers, and let us worship Him. * For our salvation He was pleased * to be crucified in the flesh, * and to undergo death, * and to resurrect the dead, by His glorious resurrection. [GOASD]

Glory. For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Now Christ has revealed to us your sacred head once again, * a most holy treasure hidden underground for so long, * O Prophet and Forerunner. * Therefore we have assembled for the feast of its Finding, * singing our God-inspired hymns in praise of the Savior, * who saves us from destruction, by your earnest prayers to Him. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death. [GOASD]

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Kathisma I. Resurrectional.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Let us honor the Cross of the Lord with solemn praise. * Let us sing hymns extolling His holy burial. * Let us highly glorify His resurrection from the dead. * For, being God, He raised the dead from the graves with himself. * He shined light on those in Hades, annihilating the power of death and the devil’s might. [GOASD]

Glory. For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

The Forerunner’s head has risen once again from the earth; * it sends forth the brilliant rays of incorruption and cures to the faithful all. * Above it has assembled the arrays of the Angels; * below it calls the human race to gather together. * In unison we offer up glory to Christ our God. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Hail, gate of the Lord, through which no man has passed! * Wall and shelter of all who rely on you, rejoice! * Port and haven undisturbed by any tempest, rejoice! * You gave birth to your Creator and God in the flesh, * ever remaining a virgin. * Never cease interceding for us who worship and extol your Son. [GOASD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II. Resurrectional.

Mode pl. 1.

After You had risen on the third day, O Lord, and the Apostles had worshiped You, Peter said to You, “The women were courageous, but I was afraid. The robber stated Your divinity, but I denied knowing You. Will You ever call me Your disciple again, or will you send me back to be a fisher of the sea? I pray You to receive me in repentance, O God, and save me.” [GOASD]

Glory. For the Forerunner.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Holy Mountain, like that on which God once walked, rejoice! * Metaphorical bush that was not consumed, rejoice! * Only bridge connecting the world to God * and conveying mortal humans to everlasting life, * rejoice, immaculate Lady! * Ever remaining a virgin, you gave birth to Him who saves our souls. [GOASD]

Kathisma III. For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

To a woman Herod gave * your most august head, * and he thus transgressed the law, * O holy Forerunner St. John. * Now at its finding we cry to you, * Entreat the Savior that mercy be given to all. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Bride unwedded and Mother of God, you are the one * who turned Eve’s pain and sorrow into exultant joy. * We the faithful sing your praises and we honor you; * for you have lifted us up from the ancient curse. * All-lauded, all-holy Virgin, * never cease interceding with your Son and God to save our souls. [GOASD]

Resurrectional Evlogetaria.

Mode pl. 1.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

When the hosts of the Angels saw how You were accounted among the dead, they all marveled. You, O Savior, are the One who destroyed the might of death; and when You arose You raised Adam with yourself and from Hades liberated everyone. [SD]

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

“Why do you mingle the ointments with your tears full of pity, O women disciples?” Thus the Angel who was shining in the tomb cried to the myrrh-bearing women. “See for yourselves the empty tomb and understand, that the Savior has risen from the sepulcher.”

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

Very early in the morning, the myrrh-bearing women were hastening to Your tomb lamenting. But the Angel appeared to them and uttered, “The time for lamentation has ended; weep no more. Go announce the Resurrection to the Apostles.”

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

When the myrrh-bearing women had come with their spices to Your sepulcher, O Savior, they heard the voice of an Angel clearly speaking to them, “Why do you account among the dead the One who lives? For as God, He has risen from the sepulcher.”

Glory.

We bow down in worship to the Father and His Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in essence; and we cry aloud with the Seraphim: Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O Lord.

Both now.

Giving birth to the Giver of life, O Virgin, you delivered Adam from sin, and to Eve you have rendered joy in place of sorrow. He who from you became incarnate, God and man, has directed to life him who fell from it.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Hypakoe. Mode pl. 1.

Mentally amazed by the angelic apparition, inwardly illumined by the divine resurrection, the Myrrh-bearing Women brought good tidings to the Apostles. “Proclaim the resurrection of the Lord among the Gentiles, as He works with you by signs and miracles, and He grants to us the great mercy.” [GOASD]

CHOIR

Anavathmoi.

Antiphon 1. Mode pl. 1.

In my affliction, like David, I sing to You, my Savior. Deliver my soul from a deceitful tongue. [GOASD]

Blessed is the life of those who dwell in the desert, as they mount up with wings of the intense love of God. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

By the Holy Spirit are all things maintained, both seen and unseen; for He is inseparably one of the Trinity with full authority. [GOASD]

Antiphon 2.

O my soul, let us be lifted to the mountains. Come to the One, from whom help comes. [GOASD]

O Christ, let Your soaring right hand keep me from every kind of mischief. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

To the Holy Spirit we say, theologizing, “You are God, life and intense love, light and mind. You are goodness, and You reign forever.” [GOASD]

Antiphon 3.

When they say to me, “Let us go into the courts of the Lord,” I am filled with great joy, and I send up my prayers. [GOASD]

Over the house of David fearful things will be accomplished; a fire will be there, burning every shameful thought. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit, as in the Father and the Logos, is the principle of life; and by Him every living being is animated. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon.

Arise, O Lord my God, for You reign unto the ages. (2)

Verse: I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart.

Arise, O Lord my God, for You reign unto the ages. [SAAS]

Eothinon Gospel (Not EP / GOA)

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the altar table)

Eothinon 8

Jn. 20:11 – 18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabboni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

READER

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. Your Cross, O Christ, we venerate, and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. For You are our God; apart from You we know no other; we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy Resurrection of Christ; for behold, through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection; for having endured the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death. [GOA]

CHOIR

Psalm 50 (51).

Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression.

Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me.

Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged.

For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me.

Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom.

You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow.

You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice.

Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit.

I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness.

O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings.

A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.

Then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings.

Then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. And have mercy on me, O God. [SAAS]

Glory.

At the intercession of the Apostles, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Both now.

At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression.

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy. [SD]

PRIEST

O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Look upon Your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us Your rich mercies:

through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, heavenly, bodiless powers, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, the Finding of whose precious Head we celebrate, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, our fathers among the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasius, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; Menas the wonderworker; Charalampus and Eleutherius, the hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Catherine, Kyriaki, Photini, Marina, Paraskevi and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; and all Your saints:

We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

Through the mercy, compassion, and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Ode 1: Pascha: Canon

From Pentecostarion - - -

CHOIR

Canon of Pascha.

Ode i. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ἀναστάσεως ἡμέρα.

Resurrection Day! O peoples, let us brilliantly shine! * Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha! * For Christ our God has out of death * passed us over into life, * and likewise from earth * to heaven, as we now sing * unto Him a triumphal hymn. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Let us purify our senses and then we shall see * by the unapproachable light of the Resurrection * Christ shining vividly, and we shall distinctly hear Him saying, Rejoice, to us * as we sing the triumphal hymn. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Let the heavens, as is fitting, now be jubilant; * let the earth be exultant. * Let the entire cosmos, visible and invisible now celebrate the feast.* For Christ, our eternal joy, * has indeed from the dead been raised. [SD]

For the Theotokos.

Same Mode. Resurrection Day.

Ἀναστάσεως ἡμέρα.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Now we say that you pried open the boundaries by death, * all-blameless holy Virgin, * for you are truly she who bore life eternal, namely Christ who rose today * and shone from the sepulcher * and illumined the universe. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

As you see your Son and God who has risen from the dead, * rejoice with the Apostles, * all-blameless Virgin full of grace. * As the cause of the joy for all, O Mother of God, * primarily you received the salutation, “Rejoice!” [GOASD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The rod of Moses.)

Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O blessed Forerunner, heavenly man, as you became the voice of the Word, end my muteness, as you did for your father’s of old, so that with a voice of gladness I may extol you on this feast day of the Finding of your Head. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Forerunner, you once laid your hand on Christ, the Head of the Church. Now for a third time you manifest your own august head, which perceived the manifestation of the Trinity, and manifestly sanctifies the Orthodox people. [SD]

Glory.

O Forerunner of the Lord, you could not bear that your head be concealed for long. You have provided for its finding again today, this time not enclosed in an earthen jar, but resting in a silver vessel in a sacred place, and revealed to a priest. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-lauded John, you blossomed from a barren womb, and you prepared the ways of the Logos and Creator, who ineffably rose from the all-holy Maiden. Now all generations know her as the Theotokos and therefore magnify her. [SD]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode pl. 1.

To our Savior and God, who led His people of old * across the Red Sea, and they walked on dry ground, * and under water covered Pharaoh and his forces all, * to Him only let us sing, for He is glorified. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Pascha: Canon

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon of Pascha.

Ode iii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Δεῦτε πόμα πίωμεν.

Come and let us drink a new drink, * not one marvelously issuing from a barren rock, * but one that Christ from the tomb * pours out, incorruption’s very source. * For we are established in Him. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Now everything, heaven and the earth * and the nethermost regions, have all been filled with light. * Let the entire creation, therefore, celebrate the rising of Christ. * For it is established in Him. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Buried with You yesterday, O Christ, * with You now resurrected, I also rise today. * Yesterday I was with You crucified. O Savior, with Yourself glorify me in Your rule. [SD]

For the Theotokos.

Same Mode. Come and let us drink.

Δεῦτε πόμα πίωμεν.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, today I am restored * to immortal life by the great benevolence * of Christ our God born of you. * He flashes the resurrection’s light * that shines on the universe. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Immaculate Lady, as you gaze * on your Son, whom you bore in the flesh, and who as God * rose from the dead as He said, * celebrate. And as He is our God, * magnify Him, Virgin pure. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O divine Master Builder.)

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Forerunner, your sacred head was given as a reward for a lewd dance, and it was placed in the hands of that woman. But now it is brought with ceremony to the church, held in the hands of a devout priest. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O glorious Forerunner, the assembly of the faithful reverently meets you, together with the priest and the emperor, singing joyous songs and with longing preceding you, and all are sanctified by your presence. [SD]

Glory.

O Prophet and Forerunner of Christ, your most sacred head has risen, like a shining sun, from secret sanctuaries, and it has illumined the entire world with resplendent rays of divine light. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

You, O Baptist, came from a barren womb, shining like a gleaming star that precedes the glorious Sun, Who rose from a Virgin, as from a cloud, and ended the night of polytheism. [SD]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode pl. 1.

O Christ, I pray You strengthen my mind * and heart, O Savior, by Your Cross’s might, * that I may praise You and glorify * Your Ascension that has saved us all. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Secondary Kontakion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 2. When You had fulfilled.

Τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν.

In the world is he a divine and brilliant pillar; * he is the noetic Sun’s lamp and Forerunner. * By revealing today his divine and luminous head * to the farthest reaches of the earth, * he sanctifies those who faithfully * venerate it and cry out to him, * “O wise Baptist of Christ, we pray you, save us all.” [GOASD]

Oikos.

From the earth, like a spring of Paradise the Forerunner’s head - beloved of God--pours out streams of grace; and it provides a flow of miracles to those who need them. So let us all approach, and eagerly draw from it the divine streams of cures. For it refreshes our souls with abundant gifts, and washes away our bodily aches, and readily takes away every disease. Therefore let us sing in honor of this head, and kiss it in faith, and embrace it with respect; and with songs for crowns let us crown it, O Faithful. Let us go ahead and cleanse ourselves of spiritual stains, and adorn our souls with godly virtues, and steadily cry out, “O wise Baptist of Christ, we pray you, save us all.” [SD]

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

On this day the head appeared * of John the Baptist * from the caverns of the earth, * like gold extracted from the mines, * and to the faithful it is returned, * fervently praying to Christ that He save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Blindman.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

The Creator and Master of all the world, * passing by, saw a man who was blind from birth, * who sat on the road and begged * and lamented and said to Him, * “All my life I have never been able to see the sun * that illumines the day, nor the moon that lights up the night. * So I now implore You, who were born of of Virgin, * to give light to all the world, that you also give sight to me, * and with cries I will worship You. * Lord and Savior, Christ my God, I entreat You for forgiveness of my sins, * in Your plentiful mercy and love for humanity.” [GOASD]

Ode 4: Pascha: Canon

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon of Pascha.

Ode iv. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ἐπὶ τῆς θείας φυλακῆς.

Now let Habakkuk as a God-inspired prophet stand with us, * keeping his divine watch, and show us * the angelic messenger, who, shining, utters glowingly, * “Today, for the world is salvation,* because arisen is Christ, being omnipotent.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Christ, our veritable Pascha, is the fulfillment of the Law; therefore He appeared as a male having opened the virgin womb; He has been called a Lamb as being edible; unblemished, as without stain; and He is said to be perfect, being very God. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The Savior Christ, the crown of goodness who is ever blest by us, willingly was sacrificed for all as a year old paschal lamb, our Passover that cleanses us. And from the sepulcher now the handsome Sun of Righteousness for us has shone again. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Before the Ark, which was a shadow of old, the forebear of God David leapt and danced. As we see the types fulfilled, correspondingly let us also, as God’s holy people, rejoice in godly manner, because arisen is Christ, being omnipotent. [SD]

For the Theotokos.

Same Mode. Now let Habakkuk.

Ἐπὶ τῆς θείας φυλακῆς.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

All-holy Virgin, He who formed Adam your ancestor of old * was molded from you. * He has neutralized the death, once introduced * through Adam, by His own death and rising today. * And by the flashing resplendence of His divine resurrection, He illumined all. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

All-blameless Virgin, as you gaze on Christ, the holy Son you bore, * glowing handsomely, * having risen from the dead today as God * for the salvation of all, O beautiful * and fairest among women, * join the Apostles and glorify Him joyfully. [GOASD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (I have heard.)

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O blessed Forerunner, you are superior to the other Prophets, for you were counted worthy to see Him of whom you prophesied, and to go before Him in the power of Elijah. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Baptist John, this is now the third time you revealed your renowned head, which overflows with fragrant oils of healings, and drives away the foul smelling passions. [SD]

Glory.

Come one and all, draw the never-failing cures from this spring, namely the precious head of the Forerunner of Christ. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-pure Virgin, you gave birth to Him who exalted our humbled nature. I pray you, make me humble and save me, for I am living pretentiously. [SD]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode pl. 1.

I have heard the report about the power of Your Cross, * that the Garden of Eden was opened by it, O Christ, * and I cried aloud: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [GOASD]

Ode 5: Pascha: Canon

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon of Pascha.

Ode v. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ὀρθρίσωμεν ὄρθρου βαθέος.

Arising at dawn very early, * instead of ointment, a hymn let us offer unto the Master, * and then we shall clearly see* Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, * causing true life to arise for all. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Beholding Your measureless compassion, the souls below that were held by the shackles and bonds of Hades pressing forward hastened to the light with feet exultant, O Christ, applauding the Pascha that never ends. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

With candles and lamps let us go out to be with Christ who emerged from the sepulcher like the Bridegroom; and with festive ranks of Angels let us also celebrate God’s holy Pascha that saves us all. [SD]

For the Theotokos.

Same Mode. Arising at dawn.

Ὀρθρίσωμεν ὄρθρου βαθέος.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

All-blameless and pure Theotokos, * believing Christians are illumined by divine, vivifying * rays arising from your Son’s resurrection from the dead, * and they are filled with triumphant joy. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

When You, who are King of creation, * became incarnate, You did not open the gates of the Virgin, * nor did You undo the seals that secured the sepulcher. * Seeing You risen, she greatly rejoiced. [GOASD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (Why reject me.)

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O blessed Forerunner, you were in between the New and Old Covenants of God. We pray you make our oldness new, as we celebrate that your sacred head has been revealed anew. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Forerunner, today you relocate your head from Comana to the Queen of Cities, and with it you bring the grace of healings. The multitude of believers applauds this, as they are filled with undefiled enlightenment. [SD]

Glory.

O Forerunner, the emperor delights in the arrival of your head more than in his imperial robes. And the holy priest, who bears the name of the God-bearer, holds it in his hands, and as he blesses the faithful he himself is also blessed. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Maiden, you gave birth to the Master, and thus you became higher than the hosts on high, for you contributed to the deification of human nature. Therefore, O Virgin, we the faithful, with soul and tongue, glorify you as the true Theotokos. [SD]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode pl. 1.

Arising very early, we cry aloud to You, O Lord. * Save us, for You are our God. * We know no other, except for You. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Pascha: Canon

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon of Pascha.

Ode vi. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Κατῆλθες ἐν τοῖς κατωτάτοις.

You went down to the nether regions of earth, * and You broke apart the bars that forever * were closed on those who were held there, O Christ. * From the sepulcher, * as did Jonah from the whale, * You arose on the third day. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Preserving unbroken the seals of the tomb, You, O Christ, resurrected, as at birth You did not disrupt Your Mother’s virginal barriers. But the pearly gates of Paradise for us You have opened. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

My Savior, the live and unslain sacrificial victim, as a man You did offer Yourself to the Father of Your own will; when as God You rose from the tomb, with Yourself, You raised the whole race of Adam. [SD]

For the Theotokos.

Same Mode. You went down.

Κατῆλθες ἐν τοῖς κατωτάτοις.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O virgin Theotokos, the human race, * held hostage of old in death and corruption, * was brought back by Him who became incarnate * from your most pure womb, * to the life that has no end and is free of corruption. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

He went down to the nether regions of earth, * He who came down and dwelt inside your womb * and became incarnate ineffably. * From the tomb He rose, * and together with himself He raised Adam, O Virgin. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. Be gracious to me.

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Christ, when the precious head * of John the Baptist, Your Forerunner, * was exhumed from the earth, * the truth like the sun arose, * dispelling the winter of heresy and falsehood, * while enlightening the whole wide world. [GOASD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

Believers, come forth and draw * illumination, the grace of God, * and mercy, and have your heads * and souls sanctified, when you * with faith venerate the head of St. John the Baptist, * who in the river touched the head of God. [GOASD]

Glory.

O Forerunner, pray to God * to crush the heads of our enemies * attacking us and defend * the country wherein we live, * so that we may lovingly venerate your precious * head that castigated Herod of old. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O blessed Forerunner John, * when you went down to the netherworld, * you preached to those who were there * that Light had become a man, * incarnate of virgin blood, and that He was coming * for the good of all humanity. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode pl. 1.

The deep abyss encompassed me; the great fish became like a tomb for me. * But I cried aloud to You, benevolent Lord my God. * Then with Your right hand, You raised me and delivered me. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

READER

Kontakion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.

In the eyes of soul have I * become unseeing. * Unto You I come, O Christ, * as did of old the man born blind, * and in repentance I cry to You. * For those in darkness You are the most resplendent light. [SD]

Oikos.

Grant me a stream of ineffable wisdom and knowledge from on high, O Christ, the light for those in darkness and guide for those who are lost, and I will relate what the holy book of the Gospel of peace has taught, namely the miracle You performed on the Blindman: a man, who was blind from his birth, obtained the use of his physical eyes, and also the eyes of his soul, and he believed in You and cried out, “For those in darkness You are the most resplendent light.” [GOASD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On May 25 we commemorate the Third Finding of the Precious Head of the holy and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, John the Baptist.

On this day the holy Martyr Celestine died after his heels were pierced with iron spikes.

Our devout Father Olbian reposed in peace.

From the Pentecostarion.

On this day, the sixth Sunday of Pascha, we celebrate the miracle that our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ performed on the man born blind.

Verses

Light from Light and Giver of Light,

You give eyes to the man born blind, O Logos.

In Your infinite mercy, O Christ our God and Giver of light, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Ode 7: Pascha: Canon

From Pentecostarion - - -

CHOIR

Canon of Pascha.

Ode vii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ὁ Παῖδας ἐκ καμίνου.

The same One who delivered the Lads from fire, becoming a mortal man, * suffers in the flesh; and by His Passion He arrays * mortal nature with majesty, free of all * corruption, the only God of the fathers, * blessed and supremely glorious. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The ointment-bearing women of Godly mind ran after You earnestly. Shedding tears, they sought for You as though You were mortal, then rejoicing they worshipped You the living God, O Christ, then they ran to Your disciples, announcing the mystic Passover. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

We celebrate that death has been put to death, Hades has been overthrown, and another, everlasting life has begun. And exulting we praise and extol the Cause, exalting the only God of the fathers, blessed and supremely glorious. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

This saving and most radiant night has been oh so sacred and indeed festive all around; it is the prelude and herald of resplendently bright Resurrection Day, on which the timeless Light on all has bodily shone forth out of the sepulcher. [SD]

For the Theotokos.

Same Mode. The same One.

Ὁ Παῖδας ἐκ καμίνου.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Today, your Son has put death to death by death, * O Virgin immaculate; * and to mortals all, * He has bestowed eternal life, * unto ages of ages, all-blameless one. * For He is the only God of the fathers, * blessed and supremely glorious. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The One who reigns as King of creation all * dwelt inside your virgin womb * when He became man, * O Maiden full of grace divine. * He endured crucifixion and death for us. * He rose, and with himself He also raised us, * for He is our almighty God. [GOASD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The Servants.)

Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Forerunner, you became the radiant lamp of the glorious Sun. Hence you drive away the cloud of error, and you illumine those who cry with faith: O God of our Fathers, You are blessed. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O Forerunner, the holy Church annually holds a magnificent celebration, in honor of your head, and she cries out, as is her practice: O God of our Fathers, You are blessed. [SD]

Glory.

O Prophet, of old you signaled the awesome advent of the Logos, by leaping in the womb; and now you signal the discovery of your head, by the truthful mouth of the priest and pastor who ardently loved you. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, virginity and childbirth coincided in you in a manner transcending nature and reason; for you ineffably gave birth to God incarnate. And we sing to Him: O God of our Fathers, You are blessed. [SD]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode pl. 1.

Inside the furnace You saved the three young men who sang Your praises. * You are the God of our fathers, Lord, and blessed are You. [GOASD]

Ode 8: Pascha: Canon

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon of Pascha.

Ode viii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Αὔτη ἡ κλητή.

This is it, the Day which is chosen and holy, * Day One of the Sabbaths. * It is the queen-day, the Lord’s Day, * and the Feast of all feasts, * and the Festival above every festival, * on which we extol Christ and bless Him to the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Come on this illustrious day of Resurrection and day of Christ’s Kingdom, let us receive the communion of the joy divine from the new fruit of the vine, for eternal life, and highly extol Him as God unto the ages. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Lift up your eyes round about You and see, O Zion. Behold, like beacons shining with light divine have your children come to you from the West, from the North and from seaward and from the East. In you they extol Christ and bless Him to the ages. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Father, ruler over all, and Logos and Spirit, O Nature divine, in three Hypostases united, transcending essence and divinity, in You have we been baptized; we praise and bless and worship You, unto all the ages. [SD]

For the Theotokos.

Same Mode. Come and let us drink.

Δεῦτε πόμα πίωμεν.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, today I am restored * to immortal life by the great benevolence * of Christ our God born of you. * He flashes the resurrection’s light * that shines on the universe. [GOASD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Immaculate Lady, as you gaze * on your Son, whom you bore in the flesh, and who as God * rose from the dead as He said, * celebrate. And as He is our God, * magnify Him, Virgin pure. [GOASD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The tyrant king.)

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

The Baptist and Forerunner, that Angel on earth and unerring indictor of transgression, of old at the Jordan perceived the manifestation of the Trinity. Now, for the third time, he manifests his head to all who with longing sing: O you priests, bless Christ; O you people, exalt Him beyond measure, unto the ages. [SD]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

O all-lauded John, the most serene Emperor joins the Christ-loving people, and they eagerly welcome you. And the first among hierarchs stretches out his arms to you; and clutching you to his breast, he is exultant and joyful, and he cries with thanksgiving: O you people, exalt Christ beyond measure, unto the ages. [SD]

Glory.

O Forerunner, your head, shining brighter than gold, was kept as a treasure in a silver vessel. Now it is given to the Queen of Cities as precious asset, enriching her with divine gifts as she eagerly sings: O you priests, bless Christ; O you people, exalt Him beyond measure, unto the ages. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O blessed and all-lauded John, concealed in the barren womb, you joyfully worshiped Him who was held in a womb and yet held the whole world. When He was born of the holy Virgin, you declared Him to be the Lamb of God, and you piously cried out: O you people, exalt Christ beyond measure, unto the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode pl. 1.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Before the ages begotten from the Father, He is Son and God. * He was incarnate and born of a Virgin Mother in latter times. * Praise Him, priests and people, exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [GOASD]

Kontakia and Synaxarion

READER

Kontakion. For the Blindman.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.

Oikos.

Kontakion. For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2. When You had fulfilled.

Τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν.

Oikos.

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On May 25 we commemorate the Third Finding of the Precious Head of the holy and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, John the Baptist.

On this day the holy Martyr Celestine died after his heels were pierced with iron spikes.

Our devout Father Olbian reposed in peace.

From the Pentecostarion.

On this day, the sixth Sunday of Pascha, we celebrate the miracle that our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ performed on the man born blind.

Verses

Light from Light and Giver of Light,

You give eyes to the man born blind, O Logos.

In Your infinite mercy, O Christ our God and Giver of light, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Sunday of the Blindman

Ode i. Mode pl. 1.

Ode iii.

O Christ, I pray You strengthen my mind * and heart, O Savior, by Your Cross’s might, * that I may praise You and glorify * Your Ascension that has saved us all. [GOASD]

Ode iv.

I have heard the report about the power of Your Cross, * that the Garden of Eden was opened by it, O Christ, * and I cried aloud: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [GOASD]

Ode v.

Arising very early, we cry aloud to You, O Lord. * Save us, for You are our God. * We know no other, except for You. [GOASD]

Ode vi.

The deep abyss encompassed me; the great fish became like a tomb for me. * But I cried aloud to You, benevolent Lord my God. * Then with Your right hand, You raised me and delivered me. [GOASD]

Ode vii.

Inside the furnace You saved the three young men who sang Your praises. * You are the God of our fathers, Lord, and blessed are You. [GOASD]

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Eothinon Gospel (EP / GOA)