Lenten Triodion

Holy and Great Saturday

The Order of Matins

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Reader: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory: of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Reader: Amen.

Lord have mercy. (12 times)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come, let us worship God our King.

O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.

O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 19

The Lord hear thee in the day of affliction; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee. Let Him send forth unto thee help from His sanctuary, and out of Sion let Him help thee. Let Him remember every sacrifice of thine, and thy whole-burnt offering let Him fatten. The Lord grant thee according to thy heart, and fulfill all thy purposes. We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of the Lord our God shall we be magnified. The Lord fulfill all thy requests. Now have I known that the Lord hath saved His anointed one; He will hearken unto him out of His holy heaven; in mighty deeds is the salvation of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will call upon the name of the Lord our God. They have been fettered and have fallen, but we are risen and are set upright. O Lord, save the king, and hearken unto us in the day when we call upon Thee.

Psalm 20

O Lord, in Thy strength the king shall be glad, and in Thy salvation shall he rejoice exceedingly. The desire of his heart hast Thou granted unto him, and hast not denied him the requests of his lips. Thou wentest before him with the blessings of goodness, Thou hast set upon his head a crown of precious stone. He asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest him length of days unto ages of ages. Great is his glory in Thy salvation; glory and majesty shalt Thou lay upon him. For Thou shalt give him blessing for ever and ever, Thou shalt gladden him in joy with Thy countenance. For the king hopeth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High shall he not be shaken. Let Thy hand be found on all Thine enemies; let Thy right hand find all that hate Thee. For Thou wilt make them as an oven of fire in the time of Thy presence; the Lord in His wrath will trouble them sorely and fire shall devour them. Their fruit wilt Thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from the sons of men. For they have intended evil against Thee, they have devised counsels which they shall not be able to establish. For Thou shalt make them turn their backs; among those that are Thy remnant, Thou shalt make ready their countenance. Be Thou exalted, O Lord, in Thy strength; we will sing and chant of Thy mighty acts.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory: of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Reader: Amen. And these troparia:

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory unto Orthodox Christians over their adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

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

O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly upon the Cross, bestow Thy mercies upon the new community named after Thee, O Christ God; gladden with Thy power the Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over enemies; may they have as Thy help the weapon of peace, the invincible trophy.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Awesome intercession that cannot be put to shame, O good one, disdain not our prayer; O all-hymned Theotokos, establish the commonwealth of the Orthodox, save the Orthodox Christians, and grant unto them victory from heaven, for thou didst bring forth God, O thou only blessed one.

Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Again let us pray for our Archbishop Name.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Again we pray for all the brethren and for all Christians.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Priest: For a merciful God art Thou, and the Lover of mankind, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. In the name of the Lord, Father bless.

Priest: Glory to the holy, and consubstantial, and life-creating, and indivisible Trinity, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Six Psalms

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men. (Thrice)

O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. (Twice)

Psalm 3

O Lord, why are they multiplied that afflict me? Many rise up against me. Many say unto my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. But Thou, O Lord, art my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy mountain. I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord, save me, O my God, for Thou hast smitten all who without cause are mine enemies; the teeth of sinners hast Thou broken. Salvation is of the Lord, and Thy blessing is upon Thy people.

I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.

Psalm 37

O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. For Thine arrows are fastened in me, and Thou hast laid Thy hand heavily upon me. There is no healing in my flesh in the face of Thy wrath; and there is no peace in my bones in the face of my sins. For mine iniquities are risen higher than my head; as a heavy burden have they pressed heavily upon me. My bruises are become noisome and corrupt in the face of my folly. I have been wretched and utterly bowed down until the end; all the day long I went with downcast face. For my loins are filled with mockings, and there is no healing in my flesh. I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly, I have roared from the groaning of my heart. O Lord, before Thee is all my desire, and my groaning is not hid from Thee. My heart is troubled, my strength hath failed me; and the light of mine eyes, even this is not with me. My friends and my neighbors drew nigh over against me and stood, and my nearest of kin stood afar off. And they that sought after my soul used violence; and they that sought evils for me spake vain things, and craftinesses all the day long did they meditate. But as for me, like a deaf man I heard them not, and was as a speechless man that openeth not his mouth. And I became as a man that heareth not, and that hath in his mouth no reproofs. For in Thee have I hoped, O Lord; Thou wilt hearken unto me, O Lord my God. For I said: Let never mine enemies rejoice over me; yea, when my feet were shaken, those men spake boastful words against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity, and I will take heed concerning my sin. But mine enemies live and are made stronger than I, and they that hated me unjustly are multiplied. They that render me evil for good slandered me, because I pursued goodness. Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me. Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.

Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me. Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.

Psalm 62

O God, my God, unto Thee I rise early at dawn. My soul hath thirsted for Thee; how often hath my flesh longed after Thee in a land barren and untrodden and unwatered. So in the sanctuary have I appeared before Thee to see Thy power and Thy glory. For Thy mercy is better than lives; my lips shall praise Thee. So shall I bless Thee in my life, and in Thy name will I lift up my hands. As with marrow and fatness let my soul be filled, and with lips of rejoicing shall my mouth praise Thee. If I remembered Thee on my bed, at the dawn I meditated on Thee. For Thou art become my helper; in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hath cleaved after Thee, Thy right hand hath been quick to help me. But as for these, in vain have they sought after my soul; they shall go into the nethermost parts of the earth, they shall be surrendered unto the edge of the sword; portions for foxes shall they be. But the king shall be glad in God, everyone shall be praised that sweareth by Him; for the mouth of them is stopped that speak unjust things.

At the dawn I meditated on Thee. For Thou art become my helper; in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hath cleaved after Thee, Thy right hand hath been quick to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (Thrice)

Lord. have mercy. (Thrice)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 87

O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee, bow down Thine ear unto my supplication. For filled with evils is my soul, and my life unto hades hath drawn nigh. I am counted with them that go down into the pit; I am become as a man without help, free among the dead. Like the bodies of the slain that sleep in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more, and they are cut off from Thy hand. They laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness and in the shadow of death. Against me is Thine anger made strong, and all Thy billows hast Thou brought upon me. Thou hast removed my friends afar from me; they have made me an abomination unto themselves. I have been delivered up, and have not come forth; mine eyes are grown weak from poverty. I have cried unto Thee, O Lord, the whole day long; I have stretched out my hands unto Thee. Nay, for the dead wilt Thou work wonders? Or shall physicians raise them up that they may give thanks unto Thee? Nay, shall any in the grave tell of Thy mercy, and of Thy truth in Thy destruction? Nay, shall Thy wonders be known in that darkness, and Thy righteousness in that land that is forgotten? But as for me, unto Thee, O Lord, have I cried; and in the morning shall my prayer come before Thee. Wherefore, O Lord, dost Thou cast off my soul and turnest Thy face away from me? A poor man am I, and in troubles from my youth; yea, having been exalted, I was humbled and brought to distress. Thy furies have passed upon me, and Thy terrors have sorely troubled me. They came round about me like water, all the day long they compassed me about together. Thou hast removed afar from me friend and neighbor, and mine acquaintances because of my misery.

O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee, bow down Thine ear unto my supplication.

Psalm 102

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that He hath done for thee, Who is gracious unto all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thine infirmities, Who redeemeth thy life from corruption, Who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion, Who fulfilleth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle's. The Lord performeth deeds of mercy, and executeth judgment for all them that are wronged. He hath made His ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things that He hath willed. Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, longsuffering and plenteous in mercy; not unto the end will He be angered, neither unto eternity will He be wroth. Not according to our iniquities hath He dealt with us, neither according to our sins hath He rewarded us. For according to the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord hath made His mercy to prevail over them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our iniquities from us. Like as a father hath compassion upon his sons, so hath the Lord had compassion upon them that fear Him; for He knoweth whereof we are made, He hath remembered that we are dust. As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom forth. For when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it know the place thereof. But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even unto eternity, upon them that fear Him. And His righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon them that keep His testament and remember His commandments to do them. The Lord in heaven hath prepared His throne, and His kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word, to hear the voice of His words. Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts, His ministers that do His will. Bless the Lord, all ye His works, in every place of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

In every place of His dominion, bless the Lord, O my soul.

Psalm 142

O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my supplication in Thy truth; hearken unto me in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath humbled my life down to the earth. He hath sat me in darkness as those that have been long dead, and my spirit within me is become despondent; within me my heart is troubled. I remembered days of old, I meditated on all Thy works, I pondered on the creations of Thy hands. I stretched forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after thee like a waterless land. Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit hath fainted away. Turn not Thy face away from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning; for in Thee have I put my hope. cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul. Rescue me from mine enemies, O Lord; unto Thee have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness; for Thy name's sake, O Lord, shalt Thou quicken me. In Thy righteousness shalt Thou bring my soul out of affliction, and in Thy mercy shalt Thou utterly destroy mine enemies. And Thou shalt cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Thy servant.

Hearken unto me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness, and enter not into judgment with Thy servant. (Twice)

Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (Thrice)

Great Litany

Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God, and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For this holy temple, and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter herein, let us pray to the Lord

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For our Archbishop Name; for the venerable priesthood, the deaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For this land, its authorities and armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For the suffering Russian land and its Orthodox people both in the homeland and in the diaspora, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

That He may deliver His people from enemies both visible and invisible, and confirm in us oneness of mind, brotherly love and piety, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For this city (or this town, or this holy monastery), for every city and country, and the faithful that dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, abundance of the fruits of the earth, and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For travelers by sea, land and air; for the sick, the suffering, the imprisoned, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee O Lord.

Priest: For unto Thee is due all glory, honor and worship; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: In the 2nd Tone: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Stichos 1: O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.

Choir: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. This is sung after each stichos.

Stichos 2: Surrounding me they compassed me, and by the name of the Lord I warded them off.

Stichos 3: I shall not die, but live, and I shall tell of the works of the Lord.

Stichos 4: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Then the choir sings the troparia:

Tone 2

The Noble Joseph, / taking Thy most pure body down from the Tree / and having wrapped it in pure linen and spices, // laid it in a new tomb.

Glory…

Tone 2

When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, / then didst Thou slay hell with the lightning of Thy divinity. / And when Thou didst also raise the dead / out of the nethermost depths, / all the hosts of the heavens cried out: // O Life-Giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

Both now…

Tone 2

Unto the myrrh-bearing women / did the angel cry out as he stood by the grave: / Myrrh is meet for the dead, // but Christ hath proved a stranger to corruption.

The Lamentations

During the singing of the troparia, the clergy come out from the sanctuary and stand in front of the Epitaphion. The senior priest, accompanied by the deacon, or else the deacon alone, censes the Epitaphion from the four sides and then the sanctuary and then the whole Church. Then the troparia of the Lamentations are sung, interspersed between the verses of 118, divided into three stases. The text of the Lamentations themselves are not reproduced here.

After the first stasis of the Lamentations, there is a small litany:

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: For blessed is thy name and glorified is Thy Kingdom, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

After the second stasis of the Lamentations, there is a small litany:

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: For holy art Thou, our God, Who does rest upon the glorious throne of the cherubim, and to Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thine eternal Father and Thy most holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

After the third stasis of the Lamentations:

The Evlogitaria

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, / teach me Thy statutes.

The assembly of angels was amazed, / beholding Thee numbered among the dead; / yet, O Savior, / destroying the stronghold of death, / and with Thyself raising up Adam, / and freeing all from hades.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, / teach me Thy statutes.

Why mingle ye myrrh with tears of pity, / O ye women disciples? / Thus the radiant angel within the tomb / addressed the myrrh-bearing women; / behold the tomb and understand, / for the Savior is risen from the tomb.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, / teach me Thy statutes.

Very early / the myrrh-bearing women hastened / unto Thy tomb, lamenting, / but the angel stood before them and said: / the time for lamentation is passed, weep not, / but tell of the Resurrection to the apostles.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, / teach me Thy statutes.

The myrrh-bearing women, / with myrrh came to Thy tomb, O Savior, bewailing, / but the angel addressed them, saying: / Why number ye the living among the dead, / for as God / He is risen from the tomb.

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

Let us worship the Father, / and His Son, and the Holy Spirit, / the Holy Trinity, / one in essence, / crying with the Seraphim: / Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O Lord.

Both now and ever, / and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

In bringing forth the Giver of life, / thou hast delivered Adam from sin, O Virgin, / and hast brought joy to Eve / instead of sorrow; / and those fallen from life / have thereunto been restored, / by Him Who of thee was incarnate, God and man.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (Thrice)

Then there is a small litany:

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: For Thou art the King of peace, O Christ our God, and to Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thine eternal Father, and Thy most holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

After this the Choir sings the Sessional hymn from the Triodion:

Tone 1 [Troparion Melody]

Joseph begged Thy holy body from Pilate and, / anointing it with sweet-smelling spices, / he wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in a new tomb; / and early in the morning the women bearing myrrh cried out: / “As Thou hast foretold, O Christ, // show to us the Resurrection.”

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

“As Thou hast foretold, O Christ, // show to us the Resurrection.”

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The angelic choirs are filled with wonder, / beholding Him Who rests in the bosom of the Father / laid in the tomb as one dead, though He is immortal. / The ranks of the angels surround Him, / and with the dead in hell they glorify Him // as Creator and Lord.

Psalm 50

Reader: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Canon

Ode I

Irmos, Tone 6: He Who in ancient times hid the pursuing tyrant beneath the waves of the sea, is hidden beneath the earth by the children of those whom once He saved. But as the maidens let us sing unto the Lord, for He is greatly glorified.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Lord my God, I will sing to Thee a funeral hymn, a song at Thy burial: for by Thy burial Thou hast opened for me the gates of life, and by Thy death Thou hast slain death and hades.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

All things above and all beneath the earth quaked with fear at Thy death, as they beheld Thee, O my Savior, upon Thy throne on high and in the tomb below. For seeing Thou wert mortal is beyond understanding, O Author of life.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

To fill all things with Thy glory, Thou hast gone down into the nethermost parts of the earth: for my substance that is in Adam is not hidden from Thee, but when buried, Thou dost restore me from corruption, O Lover of mankind.

Katavasia, Tone 6: He Who in ancient times hid the pursuing tyrant beneath the waves of the sea, is hidden beneath the earth by the children of those whom once He saved. But as the maidens let us sing unto the Lord, for He is greatly glorified.

Ode III

Irmos, Tone 6: When the creation beheld Thee hanging in Golgotha, Who hast hung the whole earth freely upon the waters, it was seized with amazement and it cried: ‘There is none holy save Thee, O Lord.’

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Images of Thy burial hast Thou disclosed in a multitude of visions; and now, as the God-Man, Thou hast revealed Thy secrets unto those in hades, O Master, who cry aloud: "There is none holy beside Thee, O Lord."

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Thou hast stretched out Thine arms and united all that of old was separated; clothed in a winding sheet, O Savior, and buried in a tomb, Thou hast loosed the captives, who cry aloud: "There is none holy beside Thee, O Lord."

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

By a tomb and seals, O Uncontainable One, wast Thou held of Thine own will; but through Thine energies Thou hast showed Thy power by Divine action to those who sing: "There is none holy beside Thee, O Lord, Lover of mankind.

Katavasia, Tone 6: When the creation beheld Thee hanging in Golgotha, Who hast hung the whole earth freely upon the waters, it was seized with amazement and it cried: ‘There is none holy save Thee, O Lord.’

Then there is a small litany, then the Sessional hymn:

Tone 1 [Troparion Melody]

The soldiers keeping watch over Thy tomb, O Savior, became as dead men / from the shining brightness at the appearing of the angel, / who proclaimed to the women the Resurrection. / We glorify Thee as the Destroyer of corruption; / we fall down before Thee, // risen from the tomb, our only God.

Ode IV

Irmos, Tone 6: Foreseeing Thy divine self-emptying upon the Cross, Abbachum cried out marveling: Thou hast cut short the strength of the powerful, O gracious and almighty Lord, and preached to those in hell.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Today Thou hast sanctified the seventh day, which anciently Thou didst bless by resting from Thy works. Thou bringest all things into being and renewest all things, observing the Sabbath, O my Savior, and restoring all.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

By Thy greater power, Thou hast conquered; from the flesh Thy soul was parted, yet Thou hast burst asunder both bonds, death and hades, O Word, by Thy might.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hades was embittered when it met Thee, O Word, for it saw a mortal

deified, striped with wounds, yet all-powerful; and it shrank back in terror at this sight.

Katavasia, Tone 6: Foreseeing Thy divine self-emptying upon the Cross, Abbachum cried out marveling: Thou hast cut short the strength of the powerful, O gracious and almighty Lord, and preached to those in hell.

Ode V

Irmos, Tone 6: Isaiah, as he watched by night, beheld the light that knows no evening, the light of Thy Theophany, O Christ, that came to pass from tender love for us; and he cried aloud: ‘The dead shall arise and they that dwell in the tomb shall be raised up, and all those born on the earth shall rejoice exceedingly.’

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Thou makest new those of earth, O Creator, becoming a thing of dust, and the winding-sheet and tomb reveal, O Word, the mystery that is within Thee; for the noble counselor typifies the counsel of Him that begat Thee, Who hath majestically refashioned me in Thee.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

By Thy death dost Thou transform mortality and by Thy burial, corruption, for Thou makest incorruptible, by divine majesty, the nature Thou hast taken, rendering it immortal; for Thy flesh saw not corruption, O Master, nor was Thy soul left in hades as that of a stranger.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Coming forth from an unwedded Mother, and wounded in Thy side with a spear, O my Maker, Thou hast brought to pass the re-creation of Eve. Becoming Adam, Thou hast in ways surpassing nature slept a nature-restoring sleep, raising life from sleep and from corruption, for Thou art the Almighty.

Katavasia, Tone 6: Isaiah, as he watched by night, beheld the light that knows no evening, the light of Thy Theophany, O Christ, that came to pass from tender love for us; and he cried aloud: ‘The dead shall arise and they that dwell in the tomb shall be raised up, and all those born on the earth shall rejoice exceedingly.’

Ode VI

Irmos, Tone 6: Jonah was enclosed but not held fast in the belly of the whale; for, serving as a figure of Thee, Who hast suffered and wast buried in the tomb, he lept forth from the monster as from a bridal chamber, and he called out to the watch: ‘O ye who keep guard falsely and in vain, ye have forsaken your own mercy.’

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Torn wast Thou, but not separated, O Word, from the flesh of which Thou hadst partaken; for though Thy temple was destroyed at the time of Thy Passion, yet the Substance of Thy Godhead and of Thy flesh is but one. For in both Thou art one Son, the Word of God, both God and man.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Fatal to man, but not to God, was the sin of Adam; for though the earthly substance of Thy flesh suffered, yet the Godhead remained impassable; that which in Thy nature was corruptible Thou hast transformed to incorruption, and a fountain of life incorruptible hast Thou revealed by Thy Resurrection.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hades reigneth, but not for ever over the race of man; for Thou, laid in a tomb, O Sovereign Lord, hast burst asunder the bars of death with Thy life-giving hand, and Thou hast proclaimed to those who slept from the ages the true redemption, O Savior, Who art become the Firstborn from the dead.

Katavasia, Tone 6: Jonah was enclosed but not held fast in the belly of the whale; for, serving as a figure of Thee, Who hast suffered and wast buried in the tomb, he lept forth from the monster as from a bridal chamber, and he called out to the watch: ‘O ye who keep guard falsely and in vain, ye have forsaken your own mercy.’

Then there is a small litany, followed by the Kontakion and Ikos Holy Saturday:

Tone 6

He that shut up the abyss is seen as one dead, / and like a mortal, the Immortal One is wrapped in linen and myrrh, / and placed in a grave. / And women came to anoint Him, weeping bitterly and crying out: / This is the most blessed Sabbath day // wherein Christ, having slept, shall arise on the third day.

Ikos: He Who sustaineth all things was lifted upon the Cross, and all creation wept, seeing Him hanging naked on the Tree. The sun hid its rays, and the stars cast aside their light; the earth shook in much fear, and the sea fled, and the rocks were rent, and many graves were opened and the bodies of the saints arose. Hades groaned below, and the Jews conspired to spread slander against Christ's Resurrection. But the women cried aloud: "This is the most blessed Sabbath day wherein Christ, having slept, shall arise on the third day."

Ode VII

Irmos, Tone 6: Wonder past speech! He Who delivered the holy children from the fiery furnace, is laid a corpse without breath in the tomb: for our salvation who sing: O God our Deliverer, blessed art Thou

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Wounded in the heart was hades when it received Him Who was wounded in the side by a spear, and consumed by divine fire it groaned aloud at the salvation of us who sing: "O God our Redeemer, blessed art Thou.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O wealthy tomb! For it received within itself the Creator, as one asleep, and it was shown to be a divine treasury of life, for the sa1vation of us who sing: "O God our Redeemer, blessed art Thou."

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

In accordance with the law of the dead, the Life of all submitteth to be laid in the tomb, and He showeth it to be a source of awakening, for the salvation of us who sing: "O God our Redeemer, blessed art Thou."

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Whether in hades or in the tomb or in Eden, the Godhead of Christ was indivisibly one with the Father and the Spirit, for the salvation of us who sing: "O God our Redeemer, blessed art Thou."

Katavasia, Tone 6: Wonder past speech! He Who delivered the holy children from the fiery furnace, is laid a corpse without breath in the tomb: for our salvation who sing: O God our Deliverer, blessed art Thou

Ode VIII

Irmos, Tone 6: Be ye astonished, O ye heavens, be ye horribly afraid, and let the foundations of the earth be shaken. For lo, He who dwells on high is numbered with the dead and lodges as a stranger in a narrow tomb. Him do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people exalt above all forever.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

The most pure Temple is destroyed, but raiseth up the fallen tabernacle. For the second Adam, He Who dwelleth on high, hath come down to the first Adam, even into the chambers of hades. Him do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people supremely exalt unto all aces.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

The disciples' courage failed, but Joseph of Arimathea was bolder; for, seeing the God of all a corpse and naked, he asked for the body and buried Him, crying: Him do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people supremely exalt unto all ages.

We bless Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Lord; both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O new wonders! O what goodness! O ineffable forbearance! For of His own will He Who dwelleth on high is sealed beneath the earth, and God is falsely accused as a deceiver. Him do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people supremely exalt unto all ages.

After the last troparion of the Canon:

Choir: We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord, // praising and supremely exalting Him unto all ages.

Katavasia, Tone 6: Be ye astonished, O ye heavens, be ye horribly afraid, and let the foundations of the earth be shaken. For lo, He who dwells on high is numbered with the dead and lodges as a stranger in a narrow tomb. Him do ye children bless, ye priests praise, and ye people exalt above all forever.

Ode IX

The Magnificat and “More honorable than the cherubim” are not sung.

Irmos, Tone 6: Weep not for Me, O Mother, beholding in the sepulcher the Son Whom thou has conceived without seed in thy womb. For I shall rise and shall be glorified, and as God I shall exalt in everlasting glory those who magnify thee with faith and love.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

At Thy strange birth, O Son without beginning, I was blessed in ways surpassing nature, for I was spared all travail. But now, beholding Thee, my God, a lifeless corpse, I am pierced with the sword of bitter grief. But arise, that I may be magnified.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

The earth covereth Me as I desire, O Mother, but the gatekeepers of hades tremble as they see Me, clothed in the bloodstained garment of vengeance; for on the Cross as God have I struck down Mine enemies, and I shall rise again and magnify thee.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Let creation rejoice, let all that are born of earth be glad, for the enemy, hades, hath been despoiled; let the women come with myrrh to meet Me, for I am delivering Adam and Eve with all their offspring, and on the third day I shall rise again.

Katavasia, Tone 6: Weep not for Me, O Mother, beholding in the sepulcher the Son Whom thou has conceived without seed in thy womb. For I shall rise and shall be glorified, and as God I shall exalt in everlasting glory those who magnify thee with faith and love.

Then there is a small litany, followed by:

Priest: Holy is the Lord our God.

Tone 2

Choir: Holy is the Lord our God.

Priest: For holy is the Lord our God.

Choir: Holy is the Lord our God.

Priest: Above all peoples is our God.

Choir: Holy is the Lord our God.

The Psalms of Praise

Reader: In the Second Tone, Let every breath praise the Lord.

Choir: Let every breath praise the Lord. / Praise the Lord from the heavens, / praise Him in the highest. / To Thee is due praise, O God.

Praise Him, all ye His angels; / praise Him, all ye His hosts. / To Thee is due praise, O God.

Praise Him for His mighty acts, /praise Him according to the multitude of His greatness.

Tone 2

Today a tomb holds Him Who holds the creation / in the hollow of His hand; / a stone covers Him who covered the heavens with glory. / Life sleeps and hell trembles, / and Adam is set free from his bonds. / Glory to Thy dispensation, / whereby Thou hast accomplished all things, / granting us an eternal Sabbath, // Thy most holy Resurrection from the dead.

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet, / praise Him with the psaltery and harp.

What is this sight that we behold? / What is this present rest? / The King of the ages, / having through His Passion fulfilled the plan of salvation, / keeps Sabbath in the tomb, granting us a new Sabbath. / Unto Him let us cry aloud: / Arise, O Lord, judge Thou the earth, / for measureless is Thy great mercy // and Thou dost reign for ever.

Praise Him with timbrel and dance, / praise him with strings and flute.

Come, let us see our Life lying in the tomb, / that He may give life to those that in their tombs lie dead. / Come, let us look today on the Son of Judah as He sleeps, / and with the prophet let us cry aloud to Him: / Thou hast lain down, Thou hast slept as a lion; / who shall awaken Thee, O King? / But of Thine own free will do Thou rise / Who willingly dost give Thyself for us. // O Lord, glory to Thee.

Praise Him with tuneful cymbals, praise Him with cymbals of jubilation. / Let every breath praise the Lord.

Tone 6

Joseph asked for the body of Jesus / and he laid it in his own new tomb: / for it was fitting that the Lord should come forth from the grave / as from a bridal chamber. / O Thou who hast broken the power of death / and opened the gates of Paradise to men, // glory be to Thee.

Glory…

Tone 6

Moses the great mystically prefigured this present day, saying: / ‘And God blessed the seventh day.’ / For this is the blessed Sabbath, this is the day of rest, / on which the only-begotten Son of God rested from all His works. / Suffering death in accordance with the plan of salvation, / He kept the Sabbath in the flesh; / and returning once again to what He was, / through His Resurrection He has granted us eternal life, // for He alone is good and loves mankind.

Both now…

Tone 2

Most blessed art Thou, O Virgin Theotokos, / for through Him Who became incarnate of Thee / is hades led captive, Adam recalled, / the curse annulled, Eve set free, / death slain, and we are given life. / Wherefore, we cry aloud in praise: // Blessed is Christ God Who hast been so pleased, glory to Thee.

Priest: Glory to Thee Who hast shown forth the light.

Choir: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory. O Lord, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty; O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and O Holy Spirit. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world; have mercy on us; Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; Thou that sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day will I bless Thee, and I will praise Thy Name forever, yea, forever and ever.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Thy name unto the ages. Amen.

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in Thee.

Blessed are Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes. (Thrice)

Lord, thou hast been our refuge in generation and generation. I said: O Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee.

O Lord, unto Thee have I fled for refuge, teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. For in Thee is the fountain of life, in Thy light shall we see light. O continue Thy mercy unto them that know Thee.

Holy God, Holy mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us. (Thrice)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Holy Immortal have mercy on us.

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

During the Praises, the senior priest puts on all his vestments, and as the choir sing the Theotokion he cones out of the sanctuary with the rest of the clergy and stands before the Epitaphion (Plashchanitsa). During the singing of the Great Doxology he goes three times round the Epitaphion, censing it from the four sides. Then, while the choir sings the final ‘Holy God’ to a slow and solemn melody, as at the Burial Service, he takes the Book of the Gospels and the other clergy take the Epitaphion which they hold above his head. They go in procession round the outside of the church, the choir meanwhile continuing to sing ‘Holy God’ as often as is necessary. The Cross with the processional candles is carried at the head of the procession; then comes the choir; then the deacon with the incense, the clergy with the Epitaphion, and after them all the members of the congregation, holding lighted candles. The procession returns to the interior of the church, and stopping before the Holy Doors with the Epitaphion the senior priest says:

Priest: Wisdom, let us attend!

The choir then sings the troparion:

Tone 2

The Noble Joseph, / taking Thy most pure body down from the Tree / and having wrapped it in pure linen and spices, // laid it in a new tomb.

And the clergy replace the Epitaphion on the table in the center of the church, putting the Book of the Gospels on it, as before. The senior priest goes once around the Epitaphion, censing it from the four sides.

When the singing of ‘The Noble Joseph’ is completed, there follows the troparion of the prophecy:

Reader: The Troparion of the Prophecy in the 2nd Tone:

Choir: O Christ, Who holdest fast the ends of the earth, / Thou hast accepted to be held fast within the tomb, / to deliver man from his fall into hell; // and as immortal God Thou hast conferred upon us immortality and life.

Glory… Both now…

O Christ, Who holdest fast…

Priest: Let us attend! Wisdom! Let us attend!

Reader: The Prokimenon in the 4th Tone: Arise, O Lord, help us, and redeem us for Thy name’s sake.

Choir: Arise, O Lord, help us, and redeem us for Thy name’s sake.

Reader: O God, with our ears have we heard, for our fathers have told us.

Choir: Arise, O Lord, help us, and redeem us for Thy name’s sake.

Reader: Arise, O Lord, help us.

Choir: And redeem us for Thy name’s sake.

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading is from the Prophecy Ezekiel.

Priest: Let us attend.

Reader: The hand of the Lord came upon me, and the Lord brought me forth by the Spirit, and set me in the midst of the plain, and it was full of human bones. And He led me round about them every way. And behold, there were very many on the face of the plain, very dry. And He said to me, Son of man, will these bones live? And I said, O Lord God, Thou knowest this! And He said to me, Prophesy upon these bones, and you shall say to them, Ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith Adonai the Lord to these bones: Behold, I will bring upon you the breath of life; and I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and will spread skin upon you, and I will put My Spirit into you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. So I prophesied as the Lord commanded me. And it came to pass while I was prophesying, that behold, there was an earthquake, and the bones came together, bone to bone, each one to his joint. And I looked, and behold, sinews came upon them, and flesh grew and came upon them, and skin was spread upon them above, but there was no breath in them. And He said to me, Prophesy to the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith Adonai the Lord: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these dead, and let them live. So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath entered into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, a very great assembly. And the Lord spoke to me, saying, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: and they say, Our bones have become dry, our hope hath perished, we are quite spent. Therefore prophesy, son of man, and say, Thus saith Adonai the Lord: Behold, I will open your tombs, My people, and will bring you up out of your tombs, and I will bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, that I may bring you up from your graves, My people; and I will put My Spirit within you, and ye shall live. And I will place you upon your own land; and you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and will do it, saith Adonai the Lord.

Priest: Let us attend! Wisdom! Let us attend!

Reader: The Prokimenon in the 7th Tone: Arise, O Lord my God, let Thy hand be lifted high; forget not Thy paupers to the end.

Choir: Arise, O Lord my God, let Thy hand be lifted high; forget not Thy paupers to the end.

Reader: I will confess Thee, O Lord with my whole heart, I will tell of all Thy wonders.

Choir: Arise, O Lord my God, let Thy hand be lifted high; forget not Thy paupers to the end.

Reader: Arise, O Lord my God, let Thy hand be lifted high.

Choir: Forget not Thy paupers to the end.

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading is from the Epistles of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians and Galatians.

Priest: Let us attend.

Reader: Brethren: Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Priest: Peace be unto thee.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader: Alleluia in the 5th Tone: Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Reader: As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish; as wax melteth before the fire.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Reader: So let sinners perish at the presence of God.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Priest: Wisdom! Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to thee.

Priest: Let us attend.

Priest: On the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to thee.

Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Again we pray for our Archbishop Name and all our brethren in Christ.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Again we pray for this land, its authorities and armed forces.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Again we pray for the suffering Russian land and its Orthodox people both in the homeland and in the diaspora and for their salvation.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Again we pray to the Lord our God that He may deliver His people from enemies visible and invisible, and confirm in us oneness of mind, brotherly love and piety.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Again we pray for our brethren, the priests, priestmonks, and all our brethren in Christ.

Choir: Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable, holy Orthodox patriarchs; for pious kings and right-believing queens; and for the founders of this holy temple (if it be a monastery: this holy monastery): and for all our fathers and brethren gone to their rest before us, and the Orthodox here and everywhere laid to rest.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Again we pray for them that bring offerings and do good works in this holy and all-venerable temple; for them that minister and them that chant, and for all the people here present, that await of Thee great and abundant mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Priest: For a merciful God art Thou, and the Lover of mankind, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Priest: Let us complete our morning prayer unto the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Pardon and remission of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Things good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this. O Lord.

A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful, and a good defense before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: For Thou art a God of mercy, compassion and love for mankind, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord. (Very Slowly)

Priest: For Thine it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Dismissal

Priest: Wisdom!

Choir: Father bless!

Priest: He that is is blessed, Christ our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. Establish, O God, the holy Orthodox Faith of Orthodox Christians unto the ages of ages.

Priest: O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Choir: More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim; who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ God, our hope, glory to Thee.

Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Father, bless.

Priest: May Christ our true God, Who for us men and for our salvation did deign to suffer the dread passion, and the life-creating Cross and voluntary burial in the flesh, through the intercessions of His most pure Mother; of the holy and glorious apostles; and Saint Name (to whom the church is dedicated); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the saints: have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loveth mankind.

Choir: Amen.

Many Years

Save, O Lord…

After the Dismissal the faithful come up to venerate the Epitaphion, while the choir sings:

Tone 5

Come and let us bless Joseph of everlasting memory, / who came to Pilate by night / and begged for the Life of all: / ‘Give me this stranger, / Who has no place to lay His head. / Give me this stranger, / Whom His evil disciple delivered to death. / Give me this stranger, / Whom His Mother saw hanging on the Cross, / and with a mother’s sorrow she cried weeping: / “Woe is me, O my Child! / Woe is me, Light of mine eyes and beloved fruit of my womb! / For what Symeon foretold in the temple is come to pass today: / a sword pierces my heart, / but do Thou change my grief to gladness by Thy Resurrection.” / We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ! / We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ! / We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ, // and Thy Holy Resurrection!

Then the reader immediately begins the first hour.

Hours

The hours are read as usual (non-lenten).

1st Troparion (All Hours):

The Noble Joseph, taking Thy most pure body down from the Tree and having wrapped it in pure linen and spices, laid it in a new tomb

2nd Troparion (1st and 6th Hours):

2nd Troparion (3rd and 9th Hours):

Unto the myrrh-bearing women / did the angel cry out as he stood by the grave: / Myrrh is meet for the dead, // but Christ hath proved a stranger to corruption.

Kontakion (All hours):

He that shut up the abyss is seen as one dead, and like a mortal, the Immortal One is wrapped in linen and myrrh, and placed in a grave. And women came to anoint Him, weeping bitterly and crying out: This is the most blessed Sabbath day wherein Christ, having slept, shall arise on the third day

Typika

Reader: In Thy kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in the heavens.

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

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.

Remember us, O Master, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.

Remember us, O Holy One, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.

The heavenly choir praiseth Thee and saith: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.

Come unto Him, and be enlightened and your faces shall not be ashamed.

The heavenly choir praiseth Thee and saith: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.

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

The choir of Holy angels and archangels, with all the heavenly hosts praiseth Thee and saith: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Remit, pardon, forgive, O God, our offenses, both voluntary and involuntary, in deed and word, in knowledge and ignorance, by day and by night, in mind and thought; forgive us all things, for Thou art good and the Lover of mankind.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Priest: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Reader: Amen.

Kontakion of the day

Lord, have mercy. (40 times)

O All-Holy Trinity, the consubstantial dominion, the indivisible Kingdom, and cause of every Good: Show Thy good will even unto me a sinner; make steadfast my heart and grant it understanding, and take away mine every defilement; enlighten my mind that I may glorify, hymn, worship, and say: One is Holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of the God the Father. Amen.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Choir: It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, Ever blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God.

Priest: O Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Choir: More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ God, our Hope, glory to Thee.

Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Father, Bless.

Priest: May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His most pure Mother, of our holy and God-bearing fathers, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and the Lover of mankind.

Holy and Great Saturday

Vespers with the Divine Liturgy

Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Reader: Amen.

O come, let us worship God our King.

O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.

O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul; O Lord my God, Thou hast been magnified exceedingly. Confession and majesty hast Thou put on, Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment, Who stretchest out the heaven as it were a curtain; Who supporteth His chambers in the waters, Who appointeth the clouds for His ascent, Who walketh upon the wings of the winds, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire, Who establisheth the earth in the sureness thereof; it shall not be turned back for ever and ever. The abyss like a garment is His mantle; upon the mountains shall the waters stand. At Thy rebuke they will flee, at the voice of Thy thunder shall they be afraid. The mountains rise up and the plains sink down, unto the place where Thou hast established them. Thou appointedst a bound that they shall not pass, neither return to cover the earth. He sendeth forth springs in the valleys; between the mountains will the waters run. They shall give drink to all the beasts of the field; the wild asses will wait to quench their thirst. Beside them will the birds of the heaven lodge, from the midst of the rocks will they give voice. He watereth the mountains from His chambers; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and green herb for the service of men, To bring forth bread out of the earth; and wine maketh glad the heart of man. To make his face cheerful with oil; and bread strengtheneth man's heart. The trees of the plain shall be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon, which Thou hast planted. There will the sparrows make their nests; the house of the heron is chief among them. The high mountains are a refuge for the harts, and so is the rock for the hares. He hath made the moon for seasons; the sun knoweth his going down. Thou appointedst the darkness, and there was the night, wherein all the beasts of the forest will go abroad. Young lions roaring after their prey, and seeking their food from God. The sun ariseth, and they are gathered together, and they lay them down in their dens. But man shall go forth unto his work, and to his labor until the evening. How magnified are Thy works, O Lord! In wisdom hast Thou made them all; the earth is filled with Thy creation. So is this great and spacious sea, therein are things creeping innumerable, small living creatures with the great. There go the ships; there this dragon, whom Thou hast made to play therein. All things wait on Thee, to give them their food in due season; when Thou givest it them, they will gather it. When Thou openest Thy hand, all things shall be filled with goodness; when Thou turnest away Thy face, they shall be troubled. Thou wilt take their spirit, and they shall cease; and unto their dust shall they return. Thou wilt send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created; and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord be unto the ages; the Lord will rejoice in His works. Who looketh on the earth and maketh it tremble, Who toucheth the mountains and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord throughout my life, I will chant to my God for as long as I have my being. May my words be sweet unto Him, and I will rejoice in the Lord. O that sinners would cease from the earth, and they that work iniquity, that they should be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The sun knoweth his going down, Thou appointedst the darkness, and there was the night. How magnified are Thy works, O Lord! In wisdom hast Thou made them all.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (Thrice).

Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God, and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For this holy temple, and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter herein, let us pray to the Lord

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For our Archbishop Name; for the venerable priesthood, the deaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For this land, its authorities and armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For the suffering Russian land and its Orthodox people both in the homeland and in the diaspora, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

That He may deliver His people from enemies both visible and invisible, and confirm in us oneness of mind, brotherly love and piety, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For this city (or this town, or this holy monastery), for every city and country, and the faithful that dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, abundance of the fruits of the earth, and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For travelers by sea, land and air; for the sick, the suffering, the imprisoned, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Choir: To Thee O Lord.

Priest: For unto Thee is due all glory, honor and worship; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Reader: In the 1st Tone: Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hearken unto me.

Choir: Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hearken unto me. / Hearken unto me, O Lord. / Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hearken unto me; / attend to the voice of my supplication, / when I cry unto Thee. / Hearken unto me, O Lord.

Let my prayer be set forth / as incense before Thee, / the lifting up of my hands / as an evening sacrifice. / Hearken unto me, O Lord.

Tone 1

8 Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord; / O Lord, hear my voice.

Accept our evening prayers, O Holy Lord, / and grant us remission of sins; / because Thou alone hast shown forth // the Resurrection in the world.

7 Let Thine ears be attentive / to the voice of my supplication.

Encircle Sion O ye people, / and encompass her, / and therein give glory unto Him who hath risen from the dead; / for He is our God, // and hath delivered us from our iniquities.

6 If Thou shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, O Lord, who shall stand? / For with Thee there is forgiveness.

Come, ye people, let us hymn and worship Christ / glorifying his Resurrection from the dead: / for He is our God, // Who hath delivered the world from the deception of the enemy.

5 For Thy name’s sake have I patiently waited for Thee, O Lord; my soul hath patiently waited for Thy word, / my soul hath hoped in the Lord.

By Thy passion have we been freed from passions, O Christ, / and by Thy resurrection have we been delivered from corruption. // O Lord, glory be to Thee!

4 From the morning watch until night, from the morning watch / let Israel hope in the Lord.

Tone 8

Today hell groans and cries aloud: / ‘It had been better for me, had I not accepted Mary’s Son, / for He has come to me and destroyed my power; / He has shattered the gates of brass, / and as God He has raised up the souls that once I held.’ // Glory to Thy Cross, O Lord, and to Thy Resurrection.

3 For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption; / and He shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities.

Tone 8

2 O praise the Lord, all ye nations; / praise Him, all ye peoples.

Today hell groans and cries aloud: / ‘My power has been destroyed. / I accepted a mortal man as one of the dead; / yet I cannot keep Him prisoner, / and with Him I shall lose all those over whom I ruled. / I held in my power the dead from all the ages; / but see, He is raising them all.’ // Glory to Thy Cross, O Lord, and to Thy Resurrection.

1 For He hath made His mercy to prevail over us, / and the truth of the Lord abideth forever.

Today hell groans and cries aloud: / ‘My dominion has been swallowed up; / the Shepherd has been crucified and He has raised Adam. / I am deprived of those whom once I ruled; / in my strength I devoured them, but now I have cast them forth. / He Who was crucified has emptied the tombs; / the power of death has no more strength.’ // Glory to Thy Cross, O Lord and to Thy Resurrection.

Tone 6

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

Tone 1

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Let us hymn the Virgin Mary, / the glory of the whole world, / who sprang forth from men and gave birth unto the Master, / the portal of heaven, and the subject of the hymnody of the incorporeal hosts; / for she hath been shown to be heaven and the temple of the Godhead. / Having destroyed the middle-wall of enmity, / she hath brought forth peace and opened wide the kingdom. / Therefore, having her as the confirmation of our faith, / we have as champion the Lord born of her. / Wherefore be of good courage! / Yea, be ye of good cheer, O people of God, // for He vanquisheth the foe, in that He is almighty!

Priest: Wisdom, Aright!

Choir: O Gladsome Light of the holy glory of the immortal, heavenly, holy, blessed Father, O Jesus Christ: Having come to the setting of the sun, having beheld the evening light, we praise the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: God. Meet it is for Thee at all times to be praised with reverent voices, O Son of God, Giver of life. Wherefore, the world doth glorify Thee.

The children of Israel departed from Succoth, and encamped in Etham by the wilderness. And God led them, in the day by a pillar of cloud, to show them the way, and in the night by a pillar of fire. And the pillar of cloud failed not by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, before all the people. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and let them turn and encamp before the village, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal-Zemphon: before them shalt thou encamp by the sea. And Pharaoh will say to his people, As for these children of Israel, they are wandering in the land, for the wilderness has shut them in. And I will harden the heart of Pharaoh, and he shall pursue after them; and I will be glorified in Pharaoh, and in all his host, and all the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord. And they did so. And it was reported to the king of the Egyptians that the people had fled: and the heart of Pharaoh was turned, and that of his servants against the people; and they said, What is this that we have done, to let the children of Israel go, so that they should not serve us? So Pharaoh yoked his chariots, and led off all his people with himself: having also taken six hundred chosen chariots, and all the cavalry of the Egyptians, and rulers over all. And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and of his servants, and he pursued after the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went forth with a high hand. And the Egyptians pursued after them, and found them encamped by the sea; and all the cavalry and the chariots of Pharaoh, and the horsemen, and his host were before the village, over against Baal-Zemphon. And Pharaoh approached, and the children of Israel having looked up, beheld, and the Egyptians encamped behind them: and they were very greatly terrified, and the children of Israel cried to the Lord; and said to Moses, Because there were no graves in the land of Egypt, has thou brought us forth to slay us in the wilderness? What is this that thou hast done to us, having brought us out of Egypt? Is not this the word which we spoke to thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians? for it is better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in this wilderness. And Moses said to the people, Be of good courage: stand and see the salvation which is from the Lord, which he will work for us this day; for as ye have seen the Egyptians to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the Lord said to Moses, Why criest thou to me? speak to the children of Israel, and let them proceed. And do thou lift up thy rod, and stretch forth thy hand over the sea and divide it, and let the children of Israel enter into the midst of the sea on the dry land. And lo! I will harden the heart of Pharaoh and of all the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them; and I will be glorified upon Pharaoh, and on all his host, and on his chariots and his horses. And all the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I am glorified upon Pharaoh and upon his chariots and his horses. And the angel of God that went before the camp of the children of Israel removed and went behind, and the pillar of the cloud also removed from before them and stood behind them. And it went between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel, and stood; and there was darkness and blackness; and the night passed, and they came not near to one another during the whole night. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the Lord carried back the sea with a strong south wind all the night, and made the sea dry, and the water was divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the water of it was a wall on the right hand and a wall on the left. And the Egyptians pursued them and went in after them, and every horse of Pharaoh, and his chariots, and his horsemen, into the midst of the sea. And it came to pass in the morning watch that the Lord looked forth on the camp of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and troubled the camp of the Egyptians, and bound the axle-trees of their chariots, and caused them to go with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians. And the Lord said to Moses, Stretch forth tine hand over the sea, and let the water be turned back to its place, and let it cover the Egyptians coming both upon the chariots and the riders. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the water returned to its place toward day; and the Egyptians fled from the water, and the Lord shook off the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. and the water returned and covered the chariots and the riders, and all the forces of Pharaoh, who entered after them into the sea: and there was not left of them even one. But the children of Israel went along dry land in the midst of the sea, and the water was to them a wall on the right hand, and a wall on the left. So the Lord delivered Israel in that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead by the shore of the sea. And Israel saw the mighty hand, the things which the Lord did to the Egyptians; and the people feared the Lord, and they believed God and Moses his servant.

At the 6th Reading, when the reader comes to the beginning of the Song of Moses, he continues in a louder voice:

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying: Let us sing to the Lord:

And the choir responds:

For gloriously is He glorified!

And the reader continues with the Song of Moses, with the refrains sung after each verse:

Reader: Horse and rider hath He hurled into the sea. Let us sing to the Lord.