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Octoechos - Grave Mode.

On Sunday Morning

Triodion

Third Sunday of Lent. Veneration of the Cross - On Sunday Morning

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MATINS

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CHOIR

Grave Mode.

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.

Grave Mode.

You destroyed death by Your Cross, You opened Paradise to the Robber. You turned the Myrrh-bearing Women’s lament into joy, and You commanded Your Apostles to preach that You rose, O Christ God, granting the world the great mercy. [GOASD]

Glory. For the Cross.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 1.

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth. [GOA]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

When Gabriel had said to you, “Rejoice!” blessed Virgin, * and you had voiced your assent, the Lord of all became incarnate * in you, who became the holy Ark, * as righteous King David said of old. * You carried your Creator, and thus your womb was wider than the heavens. * Glory to Him who dwelt inside of you! * Glory to Him who came forth from You! * Glory to Him who through your childbirth has set us free! [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.

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Kathisma I.

From Octoechos - - -

Grave Mode.

Life was placed in the sepulcher, and a seal was placed on the stone. The soldiers were guarding Christ like a sleeping king. The Angels glorified Him as their immortal God. And the women cried aloud, “The Lord has risen, and He has granted to the world the great mercy.” [GOASD]

Glory.

While You were buried for three days, You devastated death. You brought life to humanity, which had been destroyed; and when You rose, You resurrected it, O Christ God, as the benevolent Savior. Glory to You! [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-lauded Lady, our resurrection’s treasure house, we put our trust in you and pray you bring us up out of the pit and deep sea of our offences. For you saved us who were liable for sin when you gave birth to our salvation, as a virgin before childbirth, and a virgin during childbirth, and after childbirth a virgin still. [GOASD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

Grave Mode.

The tomb being sealed, You rose from the sepulcher, O Christ God, the Life. And the doors being shut, You came to the disciples, O resurrection of all. Through them You renew a right spirit within us, according to Your great mercy. [GOASD]

Glory.

In tears, the women ran to the tomb, bringing ointments. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us?” For You, the King of all, were guarded by soldiers. Then they heard the angelic voice addressing them, “The Angel of great Counsel has trampled death, and He has risen!” O almighty Lord, glory to You! [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, Maiden full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos; You are the haven and protection of the human race. From you the Redeemer of the world became incarnate, and only you are both a mother and a virgin. O Lady, ever blessed and glorified, we pray you intercede with Christ God, to grant peace to the whole world. [GOASD]

Kathisma III. For the Cross.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Of old the tree in the garden stripped us naked, * and by its taste did the enemy bring in death. * Now the tree of the Cross, which for all mankind is bearing * the garment of life, was planted upon the earth, * and therefore is all the world filled with every joy. * As we see it revered today, let us, O peoples, cry aloud * together unto God in faith: * Full of glory is Your house, O Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Of old the tree in the garden stripped us naked, * and by its taste did the enemy bring in death. * Now the tree of the Cross, which for all mankind is bearing * the garment of life, was planted upon the earth, * and therefore is all the world filled with every joy. * As we see it revered today, let us, O peoples, cry aloud * together unto God in faith: * Full of glory is Your house, O Lord. [SD]

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 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. Grave Mode.

O Christ God, who took our form and bodily endured the Cross, save me by Your resurrection, O benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

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CHOIR

Anavathmoi.

Antiphon 1. Grave Mode.

You returned the captives of Zion from their wandering. As for me, enliven me, and free me from captivity to passions. [GOASD]

In the south those who sow afflictions with tears and with fasting will reap the sheaves of joy, the staff of life everlasting. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is the source of divine treasures. From Him is wisdom, understanding, and fear. To Him praise is due, glory, honor and dominion. [GOASD]

Antiphon 2.

Unless the Lord builds the house of the soul, we labor in vain; for without Him no action or word is accomplished. [GOASD]

Moved by the Spirit, the saints produce the Father’s dogmas about the sonship of the fruit of the womb. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit, the universe has its existence. For He is God before all, universal lordship, unapproachable light, and the life of all. [GOASD]

Antiphon 3.

Those who fear the Lord and find the ways of life, both now and ever will be called blessed, for having immortal glory. [GOASD]

As you see your offspring like olive trees around your table, rejoice and be glad, chief shepherd, as you bring them to Christ. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is an ocean of divine gifts, a wealth of glory, a great depth of judgments; He is identical in glory to the Father and the Son, and therefore to be worshiped. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon.

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hand be lifted high, and do not forget Your poor to the end. (2)

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

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hand be lifted high, and do not forget Your poor to the end. [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.

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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 7

John. 20:1 – 10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. [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]

Idiomela from the Triodion.

Glory. Mode pl. 4.

Open to me the gates of repentance, O Giver of Life, for early in the morning my spirit hastens to Your holy temple, bringing the temple of my body all defiled. But as one compassionate, cleanse me, I pray, by Your loving-kindness and mercy. [SD]

Both now. Same Mode.

Guide me in the paths of salvation, O Theotokos, for I have befouled my soul with shameful sins and I heedlessly squandered all of my life’s resources. By your intercession deliver me from every uncleanness. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 2.

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

When I ponder in my wretchedness on the many terrible things that I have done, I tremble for that fearful day, the Day of Judgment. But trusting in the mercy of Your compassion, like David I cry to You, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your 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 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: Triodion: Canon-1

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Canon from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode 1. Heirmos.

That most godly prophet Moses prefigured Your Cross * in the Red Sea of old, O Savior. * For he divided the water with the rod in his hand, * and led Israel across, * and sang You a sacred ode of exodus, O Christ our God. (2) [GOASD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

This is a festival day: ⁄ at the awakening of Christ, death has fled away; ⁄ The light of life has dawned; ⁄ Adam has risen and dances for joy! ⁄ Therefore let us cry aloud and sing a song of victory! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

This is the day of the veneration of the Precious Cross: ⁄ now it is brought before us, ⁄ shining with the brightness of Christ’s Resurrection! ⁄ Let us all draw near ⁄ and kiss it with great rejoicing in our souls! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Mighty Cross of the Lord, ⁄ manifest yourself, showing me the divine vision of your beauty! ⁄ Grant that I may worthily venerate you, ⁄ for I speak to you and embrace you as alive! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let earth and heaven give praise with one accord, ⁄ for the all-blessed Cross is now set out before us all. ⁄ Christ’s Body was nailed there when He was offered in sacrifice: ⁄ Let us venerate it with great rejoicing in our souls! [OCA]

Glory.

Trinity of Persons, Unity of Essence, ⁄ Father, Son and Spirit, ⁄ equal in might, one in will and purpose, rule and dominion: ⁄ watch over Your world and grant it peace! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You conceived without seed, unwedded Virgin: ⁄ the birth is pure and sinless! ⁄ The Child you bear is the Maker of all, Christ our God. ⁄ Entreat Him to grant peace to the world! [OCA]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 1.

That most godly prophet Moses prefigured Your Cross * in the Red Sea of old, O Savior. * For he divided the water with the rod in his hand, * and led Israel across, * and sang You a sacred ode of exodus, O Christ our God. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Triodion: Canon-1

Ode iii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

O Christ, set me firmly on the rock of the Faith, by the power of Your all-holy Cross, * so that my mind will not move when tempted by the enemy’s assaults. * Only You are holy, O Lord. (2) [GOASD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Come, let us sing a new song ⁄ to celebrate the conquering of hell, ⁄ for Christ is risen from the tomb; ⁄ He has taken death captive, saving the whole world! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Come, all faithful, let us drink, ⁄ not from a well of earthly water that passes away, ⁄ but as we venerate the Cross of Christ, ⁄ let us drink from the fountain of light, ⁄ for His Cross is our glory! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Now as we venerate Your Cross, ⁄ which Moses once prefigured with his outstretched arms, ⁄ we put to flight the invisible Amalek, O Christ our Master, ⁄ and so we gain salvation! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Faithful, let us joyfully venerate the Cross of the Lord ⁄ with pure eyes and lips, ⁄ singing a song of exultation! [OCA]

Glory.

I honor one God without beginning, ⁄ three in Persons but undivided in Essence: ⁄ the Father, the Son and the Spirit of life, ⁄ in whose Name we were baptized! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Moses saw your mystery prefigured in the bush ⁄ in days of old, holy Virgin: ⁄ as the flames did not consume it, ⁄ so the fire of the Godhead did not consume your womb. [OCA]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

O Christ, set me firmly on the rock of the Faith, by the power of Your all-holy Cross, * so that my mind will not move when tempted by the enemy’s assaults. * Only You are holy, O Lord. [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

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 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

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

No longer will the power of death be able to detain human beings. For Christ went down and crushed it and destroyed all its forces. Hades is shackled, and the Prophets in unison rejoice and proclaim, “The Savior has come to those in darkness. Come out now, believers, to the resurrection!” [GOASD]

Oikos.

The netherworld below was trembling today, Hades and death, before One of the Trinity. Earth shook, and when they saw You, the doorkeepers of Hades quaked. Now all creation, along with the Prophets, rejoices and sings You an ode of triumph, O God our redeemer, who now destroyed the force of death. And let us shout aloud to Adam and his descendants, “A tree brought him in. Come out now, believers, to the resurrection!” [GOASD]

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

O Lord, Your Cross was sanctified. Truly cures are effected by it, for those who are sick in sins. Through it we worship You. Have mercy on us. [SD]

Verse: Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet; for He is holy. [SAAS]

Today the prophetic saying has been fulfilled. For, behold, we are worshiping in the place where Your feet stood, O Lord. And now that we have eaten from the tree of salvation, we have obtained the freedom from the passions that come from sin, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only benevolent God. [SD]

Glory.

The wood of Your Cross was merely planted, O Christ, and the foundations of death were shaken, O Lord. Hades had swallowed You eagerly, but with trembling it disgorged You. You have shown us Your salvation, O Holy One, and we glorify You, Son of God. Have mercy on us.

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin Theotokos, implore Your Son, Christ our God, who voluntarily was nailed to the Cross, and who rose from the dead; and entreat Him to save our souls. [GOASD]

Ode 4: Triodion: Canon-1

Ode iv. Mode 1. Heirmos.

O mighty Lord, when the sun beheld You hanging on the Cross, * that great luminary shuddered, * retracted and hid its rays; and all creation fearfully * sang a hymn extolling Your forbearance. * Indeed the earth has been filled with Your praise, O God. (2) [GOASD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Behold, Christ is risen! said the angel to the Myrrh-bearing women! ⁄ Do not lament, but go and say to the apostles: ⁄ Rejoice, for today is the world’s salvation! ⁄ The tyranny of the enemy has been destroyed ⁄ through the death of Christ! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Today as we celebrate the joyful veneration of Your life-giving Cross, ⁄ we prepare ourselves for Your most holy Passion, O Christ our Savior; ⁄ for You have wrought the salvation of the world ⁄ in Your almighty power! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Today there is joy in earth and heaven, ⁄ for the sign of the Cross is made manifest to all the world! ⁄ The thrice-blessed Cross is set before us; ⁄ a fountain of ever-flowing grace to all who show it honor! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

What shall we offer You, Christ, ⁄ for You have given us Your precious Cross to venerate: ⁄ where Your holy blood was shed, and Your flesh was fixed by nails: ⁄ we kiss it with love, giving thanks to You! [OCA]

Glory.

I sing the praises of the three Persons in one Godhead; ⁄ I proclaim one simple, undivided Nature: ⁄ Father eternal, Son and Holy Spirit, ⁄ One in throne and dominion, ⁄ One single Kingdom, ⁄ One everlasting Power! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

In you alone among women, pure Lady, ⁄ a fearful and wonderful thing was revealed: ⁄ you renewed nature, conceiving without seed and remaining a virgin, ⁄ for the Child you have borne is the true God! [OCA]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 1.

O mighty Lord, when the sun beheld You hanging on the Cross, * that great luminary shuddered, * retracted and hid its rays; and all creation fearfully * sang a hymn extolling Your forbearance. * Indeed the earth has been filled with Your praise, O God. [GOASD]

Ode 5: Triodion: Canon-1

Ode v. Mode 1. Heirmos.

We rise early and we extol You, * for through Your Cross we found peace that passes all understanding. * Through it You, the Savior of the world, renewed the human race, * leading us to the unsetting light. (2) [GOASD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You have risen from the tomb, never-setting Light, ⁄ shining upon the world with the bright dawn of incorruption! ⁄ In Your compassion You have driven out the dark sorrow of death ⁄ from the farthest corners of the earth! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let us draw near, being cleansed by abstinence, ⁄ and let us venerate the all-holy Wood with fervent praise, ⁄ where Christ was crucified when He saved the world ⁄ in His compassion. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Today the ranks of angels dance with gladness ⁄ at the veneration of Your Cross! ⁄ For through the Cross, O Christ, ⁄ You have shattered the hosts of devils, ⁄ bringing mankind salvation! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Church is revealed as a second Paradise, ⁄ having a tree of life, as the first Paradise of old: ⁄ by touching Your Cross, O Lord, ⁄ we share in immortality! [OCA]

Glory.

I glorify three co-eternal Persons in one Essence: ⁄ Father, Son and Spirit! ⁄ A single Light in threefold brightness: ⁄ one Power and Kingdom in unconfused Unity! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You conceived by the law of nature, ⁄ yet above that law; ⁄ for you alone bore a child without seed. ⁄ We fear to think or speak of your childbearing, ⁄ all-blameless Virgin! [OCA]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 1.

We rise early and we extol You, * for through Your Cross we found peace that passes all understanding. * Through it You, the Savior of the world, renewed the human race, * leading us to the unsetting light. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Triodion: Canon-1

Ode vi. Mode 1. Heirmos.

When Jonah was in the belly of the whale, * he extended his arms and thus foreshadowed the figure of Your holy Cross, O Lord. * Then he bounded forth * from the monster, being saved by Your power, O Logos. [GOASD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You crushed death, O Christ, and rose as a mighty King, ⁄ recalling us from the depths of hell! ⁄ You brought us to the land of immortality, ⁄ granting us the joy of the Kingdom of Heaven! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Faithful, let us cry aloud with joy ⁄ as we greet the Cross of the Lord. ⁄ Let us sing triumphantly to God, ⁄ for it is a fountain of holiness to all in the world! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The words of the Psalmist are fulfilled, ⁄ for behold, we worship at the footstool of Your most pure feet, ⁄ at Your precious Cross, all-powerful Lord, ⁄ the thrice-blessed Wood! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

We venerate Your Cross, merciful Lord: ⁄ the Tree which the Prophet of lamentation saw with its fruit. ⁄ and we sing in praise of Your bonds and tomb, ⁄ of the spears and the nails. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

We kiss the holy Cross, O Christ, ⁄ which You were pleased to bear on Your shoulders, ⁄ on which You accepted to be lifted up and crucified in the flesh! ⁄ We receive from it strength against our invisible enemies. [OCA]

Glory.

I praise the Unity in three Persons ⁄ and the Trinity worshipped in one Nature; ⁄ the Triune God, the threefold Light: ⁄ Father, Son and Holy Spirit. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The greatest of all wonders was revealed in you, ⁄ ewe without blemish, ⁄ for you bore the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world! ⁄ Entreat Him fervently for those who sing your praises! [OCA]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 1.

When Jonah was in the belly of the whale, * he extended his arms and thus foreshadowed the figure of Your holy Cross, O Lord. * Then he bounded forth * from the monster, being saved by Your power, O Logos. [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

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 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

From Triodion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Grave Mode. Automelon.

The fiery sword is not guarding the entrance to Eden anymore. For it was extinguished in paradoxical manner by the tree of the Cross. The sting of death and the victory of Hades have been stricken. And You, my Savior, came and cried out to those in Hades: Enter again into Paradise. [SD]

Oikos.

On Golgotha did Pilate lift up crosses three: two for those guilty of larceny, and one for Him who gives us life, whom Hades spied and voiced to those below, “My ministers and governors: my heart! - who has affixed it with a nail? A lance of wood abruptly pierced me through, and I am rent in twain. My inner parts distressingly are pained, my belly aches, the organs of my senses. My breathing pants and am compelled Adam and those of Adam to expel, who by a tree were given me. For it is a tree that leads them back again into Paradise.” [GKD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 15 we commemorate the holy martyr Agapios and those with him: Plesius, Romulus, Timolaos, two named Alexander, and two named Dionysius.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Apostle Aristobulos, Bishop of Britain, brother of Barnabas the Apostle.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Nicander of Egpyt.

The holy new martyr Manuel the Cretan, who witnessed in Chios in the year 1792, died by the sword.

From the Triodion.

On this day, the third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the veneration of the precious and life-giving Cross.

Verses

Let all the earth adore the Cross,

Through which it learned to adore You, the Word.

By the power of Your Cross, O Christ our God, guard us against the wanton assaults of the evil one, and make us worthy to worship Your divine Passion and life-bringing Resurrection, to finish the course of the forty-day fast with ease, and have mercy on us, as You alone are good and benevolent.

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Ode 7: Triodion: Canon-1

CHOIR

Ode vii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

The same One who saved those Servants from the furnace fire * has become incarnate now. * He has come to earth. * He was nailed upon the Cross. * He has granted salvation to us. * He alone is the God of our fathers, blessed and exceedingly glorious. (2) [GOASD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You arose on the third day from the tomb, ⁄ as one waking from sleep, O Lord. ⁄ By Your divine power, You struck down the keepers of hell, ⁄ raising up all our ancestors from the beginning of time, ⁄ for You alone are blessed and greatly glorified: ⁄ the God of our Fathers! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Nations, let us dance and sing to the music of the harp today, ⁄ and greatly rejoice at the veneration of the Cross! ⁄ Let us give glory to Christ who was nailed upon it! ⁄ He alone is blessed and greatly glorified: ⁄ The God of our Fathers! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Your Cross, all-merciful Lord, ⁄ is honored by all the world, ⁄ for You made the instrument of death ⁄ into a source of life! ⁄ Sanctify those who venerate it, ⁄ for You alone are blessed and greatly glorified: ⁄ the God of our Fathers! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You alone, only Jesus, are merciful and tenderhearted. ⁄ Illumine and sanctify those who with faith ⁄ venerate Your cross and divine passion, ⁄ for You alone are blessed and greatly glorified: ⁄ the God of our Fathers! [OCA]

Glory.

I praise the Godhead, Unity in three Persons, ⁄ for the Father is Light, the Son is Light, and the Spirit is Light, ⁄ but the Light remains undivided, shining forth in oneness of Nature, ⁄ yet in the three rays of the Persons! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You were proclaimed by all the prophets under many different names, ⁄ revealed as the gateway of God, the golden vessel of manna, the holy land, ⁄ for you conceived Jesus Christ in the flesh, Virgin Bride of God, ⁄ the God of our Fathers who is greatly glorified! [OCA]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

The same One who saved those Servants from the furnace fire * has become incarnate now. * He has come to earth. * He was nailed upon the Cross. * He has granted salvation to us. * He alone is the God of our fathers, blessed and exceedingly glorious. [GOASD]

Ode 8: Triodion: Canon-1

Ode viii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Daniel, who is known as one great among the Prophets, * was cast into the lions’ den and was preserved from being eaten; * for he stretched out his hands in the form of a cross and was kept unharmed, * as he was blessing Christ our God unto the ages. [GOASD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Why do you hold fragrant spices in your hands? ⁄ Whom do you seek? cries the young man at the tomb. ⁄ Christ our God is risen, ⁄ raising up the nature of mortal men from the hidden depths of hell! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Rejoice, thrice-blessed and divine Wood of the Cross, ⁄ a light to those in darkness. ⁄ As you shine to the four corners of the earth, ⁄ you prepare us for the dawn of Christ’s Resurrection. ⁄ Grant to all the faithful ⁄ that they may come to the feast of Pascha. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

On this day, the Cross of Christ, the Wood anointed with life, ⁄ fills all things with the fragrance of divine grace. ⁄ As we smell its God-given scent, ⁄ let us venerate it with faith forever! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Come, Elisha the Prophet, and tell us plainly, ⁄ what was the wood you cast into the water? ⁄ It was the Cross of Christ, ⁄ which draws us up from the depths of corruption, ⁄ and we venerate it with faith forever! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Jacob prefigured Your Cross in days of old, O Christ, ⁄ when he venerated the top of Joseph’s holy staff, ⁄ where he saw the dread sceptre of Your Kingdom foreshadowed, ⁄ and now we venerate Your Cross in faith for ever! [OCA]

Glory.

I glorify one Substance in three beings: ⁄ Father, Son and Spirit, ⁄ neither confused in Persons nor divided in Essence, ⁄ for there is one God in Trinity, ruling over all forever! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You alone among mothers, Mary, Bride of God, remained a virgin. ⁄ Without wedlock you gave birth to Christ the Savior, ⁄ yet you kept the seal of your purity unbroken. ⁄ With all the faithful we shall call you blessed forever! [OCA]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Daniel, who is known as one great among the Prophets, * was cast into the lions’ den and was preserved from being eaten; * for he stretched out his hands in the form of a cross and was kept unharmed, * as he was blessing Christ our God unto the ages. [GOASD]

Kontakia and Synaxarion

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

No longer will the power of death be able to detain human beings. For Christ went down and crushed it and destroyed all its forces. Hades is shackled, and the Prophets in unison rejoice and proclaim, “The Savior has come to those in darkness. Come out now, believers, to the resurrection!” [GOASD]

Oikos.

The netherworld below was trembling today, Hades and death, before One of the Trinity. Earth shook, and when they saw You, the doorkeepers of Hades quaked. Now all creation, along with the Prophets, rejoices and sings You an ode of triumph, O God our redeemer, who now destroyed the force of death. And let us shout aloud to Adam and his descendants, “A tree brought him in. Come out now, believers, to the resurrection!” [GOASD]

Kontakion from Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Grave Mode. Automelon.

The fiery sword is not guarding the entrance to Eden anymore. For it was extinguished in paradoxical manner by the tree of the Cross. The sting of death and the victory of Hades have been stricken. And You, my Savior, came and cried out to those in Hades: Enter again into Paradise. [SD]

Oikos.

On Golgotha did Pilate lift up crosses three: two for those guilty of larceny, and one for Him who gives us life, whom Hades spied and voiced to those below, “My ministers and governors: my heart! - who has affixed it with a nail? A lance of wood abruptly pierced me through, and I am rent in twain. My inner parts distressingly are pained, my belly aches, the organs of my senses. My breathing pants and am compelled Adam and those of Adam to expel, who by a tree were given me. For it is a tree that leads them back again into Paradise.” [GKD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 15 we commemorate the holy martyr Agapios and those with him: Plesius, Romulus, Timolaos, two named Alexander, and two named Dionysius.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Apostle Aristobulos, Bishop of Britain, brother of Barnabas the Apostle.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Nicander of Egpyt.

The holy new martyr Manuel the Cretan, who witnessed in Chios in the year 1792, died by the sword.

From the Triodion.

On this day, the third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the veneration of the precious and life-giving Cross.

Verses

Let all the earth adore the Cross,

Through which it learned to adore You, the Word.

By the power of Your Cross, O Christ our God, guard us against the wanton assaults of the evil one, and make us worthy to worship Your divine Passion and life-bringing Resurrection, to finish the course of the forty-day fast with ease, and have mercy on us, as You alone are good and benevolent.

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Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Third Sunday of Lent

Ode i. Mode 1.

That most godly prophet Moses prefigured Your Cross * in the Red Sea of old, O Savior. * For he divided the water with the rod in his hand, * and led Israel across, * and sang You a sacred ode of exodus, O Christ our God. [GOASD]

Ode iii.

O Christ, set me firmly on the rock of the Faith, by the power of Your all-holy Cross, * so that my mind will not move when tempted by the enemy’s assaults. * Only You are holy, O Lord. [GOASD]

Ode iv.

O mighty Lord, when the sun beheld You hanging on the Cross, * that great luminary shuddered, * retracted and hid its rays; and all creation fearfully * sang a hymn extolling Your forbearance. * Indeed the earth has been filled with Your praise, O God. [GOASD]

Ode v.

We rise early and we extol You, * for through Your Cross we found peace that passes all understanding. * Through it You, the Savior of the world, renewed the human race, * leading us to the unsetting light. [GOASD]

Ode vi.

When Jonah was in the belly of the whale, * he extended his arms and thus foreshadowed the figure of Your holy Cross, O Lord. * Then he bounded forth * from the monster, being saved by Your power, O Logos. [GOASD]

Ode vii.

The same One who saved those Servants from the furnace fire * has become incarnate now. * He has come to earth. * He was nailed upon the Cross. * He has granted salvation to us. * He alone is the God of our fathers, blessed and exceedingly glorious. [GOASD]

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Daniel, who is known as one great among the Prophets, * was cast into the lions’ den and was preserved from being eaten; * for he stretched out his hands in the form of a cross and was kept unharmed, * as he was blessing Christ our God unto the ages. [GOASD]

Eothinon Gospel (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.

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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 7

John. 20:1 – 10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. [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]

Idiomela from the Triodion.

Glory. Mode pl. 4.

Open to me the gates of repentance, O Giver of Life, for early in the morning my spirit hastens to Your holy temple, bringing the temple of my body all defiled. But as one compassionate, cleanse me, I pray, by Your loving-kindness and mercy. [SD]

Both now. Same Mode.

Guide me in the paths of salvation, O Theotokos, for I have befouled my soul with shameful sins and I heedlessly squandered all of my life’s resources. By your intercession deliver me from every uncleanness. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 2.

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

When I ponder in my wretchedness on the many terrible things that I have done, I tremble for that fearful day, the Day of Judgment. But trusting in the mercy of Your compassion, like David I cry to You, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your 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 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.

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Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.

CHOIR

Magnificat: Mode of Canon

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 1.

Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Ode 9: Triodion: Canon-1

Ode ix. Mode 1. Heirmos.

O true Theotokos and virgin Mother, you conceived * without seed, and you gave birth to the Savior, Christ our God, * who in the flesh was lifted on the Cross. * All we, the faithful, worthily now praise you * and magnify you along with Him. [GOASD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You went down into the tomb, O God the Giver of Life, ⁄ breaking its bars and chains, ⁄ raising up the dead who cry aloud: ⁄ Glory to Your resurrection, Christ, the all-powerful Savior! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Your tomb, O Christ, has brought life to me, ⁄ for You, the Lord of Life, ⁄ came and cried to those dwelling in the grave: ⁄ Be free, all who are in bonds, ⁄ for I am come, the Ransom of the world! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let all the trees of the forest dance and sing, ⁄ beholding the Tree of the Cross today as it receives veneration, ⁄ for Christ, as the holy David prophesied, ⁄ has exalted it on high. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I died through a tree, ⁄ but have found a tree of life in you, Cross of Christ! ⁄ You are my invincible protector and strong defense against the demons. ⁄ As I venerate you today I cry aloud: ⁄ Sanctify me by your glory! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Rejoice, Church of God and be exceedingly glad, ⁄ as you venerate today ⁄ the thrice-blessed wood of the most holy Cross of Christ. ⁄ It is attended by the ranks of angels, ⁄ who stand before it with fear! [OCA]

Glory.

I worship You, holy God, ⁄ as Trinity of Persons in Unity of Essence: ⁄ Father, Son and Holy Spirit, ⁄ one Power and Kingdom, sovereign over all. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You are the great mountain, Virgin, ⁄ in which Christ dwelt, as holy David says. ⁄ We are raised up to heaven by you, all-blessed Lady, ⁄ through the Spirit, regaining the adoption of sons. [OCA]

Magnificat: Mode of Katavasia

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 1.

Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 1.

O true Theotokos and virgin Mother, you conceived * without seed, and you gave birth to the Savior, Christ our God, * who in the flesh was lifted on the Cross. * All we, the faithful, worthily now praise you * and magnify you along with Him. [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 all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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CHOIR

Mode 2.

Holy is the Lord our God. (2)

Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet.

For He is holy. [SAAS]

From Octoechos - - -

Exaposteilarion.

Eothinon 7.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

When Mary Magdalene had said * that the Lord had been taken, * Simon Peter and also Christ’s * other beloved disciple * both ran to the tomb together. * Inside they found the napkin, * which had been on the Savior’s head, * not with the linen cloths that were lying there * by themselves, but rolled up and in its own place. * So until Christ appeared to them, * they went back home and rested. [GOASD]

Exaposteilarion. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Today the precious Cross of Christ * is to be set before us. * Seeing it let us faithfully * venerate it with gladness, * thereby with longing saluting * the Lord who by His own will * was thereon crucified for us, * and let us pray Him that He account us all * worthy of revering His Cross most precious, * and of arriving uncondemned * at the bright Resurrection. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Your Son stretched out immaculate * hands and was nailed for our sake * onto the Cross, the wood of which * we are now venerating with faith, all-decorous Maiden. * Grant to us peace, we pray you, * and the world-saving, all-divine * Passion may we attain; and may we adore * the resplendent day when the world rejoices, * the shining day that bears the name * of the Lord, namely Pascha. [SD]

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Lauds. Grave Mode.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Stichera.

Grave Mode.

To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones. [SAAS]

Christ has risen from the dead, having loosed the bonds of death. O earth, proclaim the good news of great joy! You heavens, praise the glory of God! [GOASD]

Grave Mode.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power. [SAAS]

Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord, Jesus, the only sinless One. [GOASD]

Grave Mode.

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]

We never cease to honor the resurrection of Christ; for it was He who saved us from our transgressions. Holy is the Lord, Jesus, who showed us resurrection. [GOASD]

Grave Mode.

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]

What shall we give back to the Lord for all He rendered to us? For us, God lived among men. For human nature that was damaged, the Logos became flesh and dwelt among us. To the ungrateful He is the Benefactor; to the captives, the Liberator; to those who sat in darkness, the Sun of Righteousness. He who is dispassionate suffered on the cross; He who is the Light shone in Hades; He who is the Life trampled death. For the fallen He is the resurrection. Let us cry aloud to Him, “Glory to You our God!” [GOASD]

For the Cross.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 4. To a brave one.

Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]

Let us joyfully cry aloud, and in odes let us magnify * the all-precious Cross and salute it with a kiss. * And let us cry out to it and say, * O Cross ever-ven’rable, by the power you possess, * sanctify us in every way, soul and body too. * From all manner of injury arising from our enemies preserve us * who venerate in piety. [SD]

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

Let us joyfully cry aloud, and in odes let us magnify * the all-precious Cross and salute it with a kiss. * And let us cry out to it and say, * O Cross ever-ven’rable, by the power you possess, * sanctify us in every way, soul and body too. * From all manner of injury arising from our enemies preserve us * who venerate in piety. [SD]

Verse: Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet; for He is holy. [SAAS]

Come, believers, and faithfully * draw the waters that never fail, * issuing abundantly by the Cross’s grace, * as we behold set before us now * the wood of the holy tree, * yes, the wellspring of the gifts * of the Spirit, which is itself * watered by the blood * and the water that issued from the Master who was willingly exalted * thereon, exalting humanity. [SD]

Verse: God is our King before the ages; He worked salvation in the midst of the earth. [SAAS]

The support of the Church are you, * and the strength of the emperors; * boast of the monastics and their deliverance * are you, all-ven’rable Cross of Christ. * And now as we venerate * you today, our hearts and souls * are illumined ineffably by the grace divine * of the Lord who was nailed to you and brought down * the dominion of the sly one, * and who abolished the ancient curse. [SD]

Glory. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

To flee the high-minded opinion of the Pharisees most wicked, the Lord of all things taught us by way of parable, and instructed us all not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. He Himself became our model and example, having emptied Himself even unto the Cross and death. In thanksgiving, then, with the Publican let us say, “You endured the Passion for us and yet remained dispassionate God, from our sinful passions free us, and grant salvation to our souls.” [GKD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

You are supremely blessed, O Virgin Theotokos. For through Him who from you became incarnate, Hades has been captured, and Adam has been called back; the curse has been killed, and Eve has been freed; death has been put to death, and we have been brought back to life. Therefore we extol Him and cry out, “O Christ our God, You are blessed, for so was Your good pleasure. Glory to You!” [GOASD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

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Great Doxology

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world.

Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

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

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

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

Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

As the choirs sing the Holy God for the Great Doxology, the priest processes to the solea or around the nave of the church holding the tray with the cross. On the solea he circles the table three times before placing it on the table. When the Doxology is finished, he says:

PRIEST

Wisdom. Arise.

Mode 1.

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth. [GOA]

CHOIR

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth. (2)

PRIEST

We venerate Your Cross, O Master, and we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.

CHOIR

We venerate Your Cross, O Master, and we glorify Your Holy Resurrection. (2)

The clergy venerate the cross first, followed by the faithful. While they are venerating, the following Idiomela may be chanted.

CHOIR

Mode 2.

Come, O believers, let us venerate the life-giving Cross. For Christ, the King of glory, voluntarily extended His hands on it and raised us up to the original blessedness, after the enemy long ago had captured us with the bait of pleasure, and caused us to be exiled from God. Come, O believers, let us venerate the Cross, by which we have been granted to crush the skulls of our invisible enemies. Come, all you families of the Gentiles, let us sing hymns to honor the Cross of the Lord. “We salute you, O Cross, for you are the complete redemption of Adam who had fallen. In you our most faithful leaders boast, for by your power they have mightily subdued the foreign enemy. Now we Christians with fear and awe salute you with a kiss, and we glorify God who was nailed to you, and we say, ‘O Lord, who were nailed to the Cross, have mercy on us, for You are good and benevolent.’” [SD]

Mode pl. 4.

Today the Master of creation and Lord of glory is nailed to the Cross and He is pierced in the side. He tastes gall and vinegar, He who is the sweetness of the Church. He is crowned with a crown of thorns, He who covers the sky with clouds. He is dressed in a robe to be ridiculed, and He is smitten by a hand formed of clay, He who formed humanity with His own hand. He takes a flogging on the back, He who circles the sky with clouds. He takes the spitting and the whips, the beatings and the taunts; and He endures it all for me, who am condemned, in order so save the world from delusion, for He is compassionate, my Redeemer and my God. [SD]

Glory. Mode pl. 4.

Today, He who is unapproachable in His essence becomes approachable to me; and He is suffering the Passion, thus freeing me from the passions. He who gives sight to the blind is spit on by lawless lips, and He takes a whipping on the back for the sake of us captives. When His pure Mother saw Him on the Cross, in pain she uttered, “Woe is me, my Child! Why have You done this! You who are more beautiful than all men, I see You not breathing, unsightly, without form or beauty. Woe is me, my Light! I cannot bear to see You sleeping. I am wounded to the core, and an awful sword is piercing my heart. I extol Your Passion, I worship Your compassion. O longsuffering Lord, glory to You!” [SD]

Both now. Mode pl. 2. Heirmologic.

Today the prophetic saying has been fulfilled. For, behold, we are worshiping in the place where Your feet stood, O Lord. And now that we have eaten from the tree of salvation, we have obtained the freedom from the passions that come from sin, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only benevolent God. [SD]

When the veneration is finished, the priest returns the cross to the holy altar.

CHOIR

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth. [GOA]