|
The Orthodox Pages email: pater@christopherklitou.com
THE BOOK OF
THE APOSTLE |
||||
|
The Epistles of St. Paul |
|
|||
|
|
Thirty-Fourth
Sunday
Prokhimenon.
Tone 1. [Psalm 32].
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Brethren,
all things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all
things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of
any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy
both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord;
and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will
also raise up us by his own power. Know ye not that your bodies are the
members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them
the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is
joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every
sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth
fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body
is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and
ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God
in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
under me.
mercy
to his anointed.
Monday of the Thirty-Fifth Week
Brethren,
it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even
now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of
us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that
they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an
unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto
you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie
is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the
Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever
denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the
Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have
heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning
shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These
things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the
anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not
that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all
things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye
shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he
shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his
coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth
righteousness is born of him. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath
bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the
world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the
sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know
that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as
he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as
he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin
is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to
take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth
not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little
children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is
righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the
devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son
of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Tuesday of the Thirty-Fifth
Week
Brethren,
whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in
him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of
God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not
righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For
this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love
one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his
brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and
his brother's righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the
brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever
hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath
eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because
he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the
brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have
need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the
love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither
in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the
truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn
us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our
heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever
we ask, we receive of him.
Wednesday of the Thirty-Fifth
Week
Dearly
beloved,
if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And
whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments,
and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his
commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ,
and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his
commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he
abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. Beloved, believe not
every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many
false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of
God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh
is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come
in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof
ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the
world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because
greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of
the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God
heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of
error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one
that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth
not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward
us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we
might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he
loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved,
if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Thursday of the Thirty-Fifth
Week
Dearly
beloved,
if a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he
that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he
hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth
God love his brother also. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is
born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that
is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when
we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that
we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For
whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory
that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the
world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that
came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by
water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the
Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the
Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there
are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the
blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the
witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath
testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness
in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he
believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record,
that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He
that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not
life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the
Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may
believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we
have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth
us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we
have the petitions that we desired of him. If any man see his brother sin
a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life
for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say
that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin
not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he
that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him
not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in
wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an
understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that
is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal
life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Friday of the Thirty-Fifth Week
The
elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and
not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's
sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with
you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that
I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a
commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I
wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the
beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after
his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the
beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the
world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a
deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those
things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He
that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the
Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him
not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him
God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Having many things to write unto
you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you,
and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of thy
elect sister greet thee. Amen.
Saturday of the Thirty-Fifth
Week Prokhimenon. Tone 6. [Psalm 24]. Verse: Unto thee will I cry, O Lord, my God. Verse: Their souls shall dwell in prosperity.
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Brethren, all things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 Brethren, I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Alleluia [3]. Tone 6 [Psalm 64, 101]. Verse: Blessed are they whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach unto Thee. Verse: And their remembrance from generation to generation.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 2. [Psalm 117].
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Brethren,
meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better;
neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means
this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For
if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple,
shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those
things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the
weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the
brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while
the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. Am I not an apostle?
am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work
in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to
you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
The reading is from the Third General Epistle of St. John.
The
elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I
wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as
thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and
testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and
to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church:
whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt
do well: Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing
of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be
fellowhelpers to the truth. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who
loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if
I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with
malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself
receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out
of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is
good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen
God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea,
and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. I had many
things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I
trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be
to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
Cheesefare Tuesday
Jude,
the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are
sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave
all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful
for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend
for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are
certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this
condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into
lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how
that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward
destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their
first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in
everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even
as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving
themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set
forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise
also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak
evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the
devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a
railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil
of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as
brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Cheesefare
Thursday
Dearly
beloved,
woe unto the ungodly! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran
greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the
gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they
feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without
water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit,
twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out
their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of
darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of
these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among
them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of
all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their
mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration
because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were
spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told
you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their
own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having
not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy
faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God,
looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of
some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear,
pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the
flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the
only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both
now and ever. Amen.
Prokhimenon
Tone 8. [Psalm 149]
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans Brethren, let us follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Brethren,
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And
they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and
lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us
not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest
thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law
of Christ.
flourish in
the courts of
our God.
for the
upright.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 3. [Psalm 46].
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans
Brethren,
now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent,
the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and
let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day;
not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in
strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not
provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Him that is weak in
the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth
that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not
him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth
not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that
judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth.
Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Prokhimenon.
Tone 7. [Psalm 63].
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Brethren, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
My child Timothy, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
like
a cedar in
Lebanon. the courts of our God.
Communion Anthem
[Psalm 111].
First Sunday of Great Lent
Prokhimenon:
Tone 4. Song of the Three Children. hast done to us.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews.
Brethren,
by faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of
Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people
of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the
reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had
respect unto the recompence of the reward. And what shall I more say? for
the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and
of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through
faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped
the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of
the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight,
turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead
raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of
cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with
the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being
destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they
wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not
the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they
without us should not be made perfect.
Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
Prokhimenon.
Tone 6. [Psalm 31].
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews.
Brethren,
take heed lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in
departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is
called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of
sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear
his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when
they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by
Moses.
approach unto
Thee.
Communion Anthem
[Psalm 32].
Prokhimenon.
Tone 5. [Psalm 11].
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews.
In
the beginning Thou, Lord, hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the
heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture
shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same,
and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any
time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are
they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who
shall be heirs of salvation? Therefore we ought to give the more earnest
heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let
them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every
transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How
shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first
began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him.
Saturday of the Third Week of Lent Prokhimenon. Tone 6. [Psalm 31]. Verse: Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous. Verse: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Hebrews 10:32-38
Brethren,
call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated,
ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye
became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me
in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in
yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast
not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye
might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come
will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith.
approach unto
Thee.
Communion Anthem
[Psalm 32].
Third Sunday of Great Lent
Prokhimenon. Tone 6.
[Psalm 27].
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews.
Brethren,
seeing we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus
the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high
priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us
therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest taken from
among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may
offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the
ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is
compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the
people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this
honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also
Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said
unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also
in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec.
purchased of old. in the midst of the earth.
Communion Anthem
[Psalm 4]
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Prokhimenon.
Tone 6. [Psalm 24, 27]
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews.
Brethren,
we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany
salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your
work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye
have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every
one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto
the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith
and patience inherit the promises.
approach unto
Thee.
Prokhimenon.
Tone 7. [Psalm 28]. glory and honour.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Brethren, when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Another for St. John of the Ladder
Brethren,
walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather
reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are
done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest
by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he
saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall
give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as
wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not
unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk
with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to
yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making
melody in your heart to the Lord.
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent Saturday of the Akathist Hymn
Prokhimenon.
Tone 3. [Luke 1]
rejoiced in God my
Saviour.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Brethren, Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Another for the Mother of God.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews.
Brethren,
the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and a worldly
sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the
candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the
sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the
Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant
overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna,
and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it
the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now
speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests
went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not
without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the
people. from it.
Communion Anthem
[Psalm 115].
Prokhimenon.
Tone 8. [Psalm 75].
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Brethren, Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Another for St. Mary of Egypt.
Brethren,
before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith
which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our
schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For
ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of
you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither
Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor
female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then
are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say, That
the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant,
though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time
appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in
bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time
was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To
redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of
sons.
noise to
God our
Saviour.
Righteous Lazarus
Prokhimenon:
Tone 3. [Psalm 26]
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews.
Brethren,
we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby
we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is
a consuming fire. Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to
entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer
adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in
all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will
judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with
such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor
forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will
not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over
you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow,
considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same
yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Communion Anthem
[Psalm 8, Matthew 21: 16]
Palm Sunday
THE
FIRST ANTIPHON
Tone 2 [Psalm 114].
my
supplications.
hath found
me.
name of the
Lord.
of the living.
deeply
humiliated.
who sing to
Thee,
alleluia.
toward me?
of the
Lord.
people.
endureth
for ever. Resurrection, from the dead, Thou hast raised Lazarus, O Christ our God.Therefore, like the children, we also carry tokens of victory and cry aloud to Thee, the Victor of death: Hosanna in the highest, blessed is
He that cometh in the name of the Lord.
for His mercy
endureth for ever.
for His mercy
endureth for ever.
for His mercy
endureth for ever.
INTROIT AT THE LITTLE ENTRANCE
God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. who sing to Thee, alleluia.
Prokhimenon:
Tone 4. [Psalm 117] for his mercy endureth for ever.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians.
Brethren,
rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation
be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in
every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests
be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any
virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things,
which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:
and the God of peace shall be with you.
Communion Anthem [Psalm 117]
Holy and Great Thursday
Prokhimenon:
Tone 7. [Psalm 2]
his
Anointed, things?
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Brethren,
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the
Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he
had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which
is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner
also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new
testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance
of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew
the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread,
and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body
and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat
of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh
unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the
Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many
sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when
we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be
condemned with the world.
die, and his name perish? me. Communion Anthem
Of thy mystical supper, O Son of God, accept me this day as a partaker;
for I will not speak of the mystery to Thine enemies, nor will I give Thee
a kiss like Judas; but like the thief I will acknowledge Thee: Remember
me, O Lord, when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.
Holy and Great Friday Brethren, God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
At the Third Hour Brethren, when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
At the Sixth Hour Brethren, both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
At the Ninth Hour Brethren, having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Prokhimenon:
Tone 6. [Psalm 87]
shadow of
death. before Thee.
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Brethren, the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
gave Me vinegar to drink.
The Holy and Great Saturday
Prokhimenon:
Tone 6. [Psalm 9]
poor. of all Thy marvellous works.
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Brethren,
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.
that
hate him
flee before him.
before
the fire. righteous rejoice.
Prokhimenon:
Tone 5. [Psalm 65]
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Brethren, as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
And in place of the Alleluia we sing the following verses. Psalm 81 Arise, O God, judge Thou the earth: for Thou shalt have an
inheritance in all the nations.
the gods.
persons of the
wicked?
and
needy.
wicked.
darkness: all the foundations of the earth shall be shaken
High. But ye die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
Communion Anthem
[Psalm77] |
|
||
