The Orthodox Pages THE PEOPLE'S HANDBOOK
HOLY AND GREAT
THURSDAY
(SUNG ON HOLY WEDNESDAY EVENING
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PRIEST Blessed is our God always, now and for ever: world without end. READER: Amen. PRIEST: Glory be to Thee, O our God, glory be to Thee. O heavenly King and Comforter, Spirit of truth, which art in all places and fillest all things; Treasure of goodness and Giver of life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from all that defileth. And save our souls, O Thou who art good. READER O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [3] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. PRIESTFor Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. READER: Amen. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [12] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. O come, let us worship and bow down before our King and our God. O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and our God. O come, let us worship and bow down before the very Christ our King and our God. And the Royal service “The Lord hear thee” is recited slowly with a monotone chant while the Priest censes the temple with a katsiou (a small hand held censer). PSALM 19 [20] The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee. Send thee help from the sanctuary, and support thee out of Zion. Remember all thy sacrifices; and let thy whole burnt offering be made fat. The Lord grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsels. We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of the Lord our God shall we be magnified. The Lord fulfil all thy petitions. Now have I known that the Lord hath saved His anointed: He will hear him from His holy heaven; the salvation of His right hand is with power. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will call upon the name of the Lord our God. They are fettered, and have fallen; but we are risen, and are set upright. O Lord, save the king, and hear us in the day wherein we call upon Thee. PSALM 20 [21] The king shall be glad in Thy strength, O Lord, and in Thy salvation shall he rejoice exceedingly. Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not witholden the request of his lips. For Thou hast prevented him with the blessings of sweetness: Thou hast set a crown of precious stone upon his head. He asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest him length of days for ever and ever. His glory is great in Thy salvation; glory and majesty shalt Thou lay upon him. For Thou shalt give him blessing for ever; Thou shalt make him glad with joy with Thy countenance. For the king hopeth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved. Let Thine hand be found on all Thine enemies; let Thy right hand find out all those that hate Thee. Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of Thy presence; the Lord shall trouble them in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their fruit shalt Thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the sons of men. For they intended evil against Thee; they imagined devices, which they shall not be able to establish. For Thou shalt make them turn their back; Thou shalt make ready their countenance among them that are Thy remnant. Be Thou exalted, O Lord, in Thine own strength; we will sing and praise Thy power. O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [3] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. PRIEST: For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. READER: Amen. Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting them victory over their enemies; And by Thy Cross, do Thou, protect Thy commonwealth. Glory… Lifted up of Thine own will upon the Cross, do Thou bestow Thy compassions upon the new commonwealth, that bears Thy name, O Christ our God, Make glad with Thy strength, our pious rulers, granting them victory over their enemies; may they have as an alliance, that invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace. Now and for ever… Theotokion O formidable and unashamed protector, O good and all praiseworthy Mother of God, despise not our prayers: sustain the Orthodox people: save those whom thou hast charged to rule over us, granting them victory from heaven: for thou didst give birth to God, thou who alone art blessed. PRIEST Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee, hear us and have mercy. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. (3) [And after each petition] PRIEST Again we pray for all pious Orthodox Christians. Again we pray for our Archbishop [name] and for all our brethren in Christ. For Thou art a merciful God and a lover of mankind, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. READER Amen. Bless, father, in the name of the Lord. PRIEST Glory be to the Holy, Consubstantial, life-giving and undivided Trinity: always, now and for ever: world without end. READER Amen. THE SIX PSALMS Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. [3] Lord, open Thou my lips and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. [2] PSALM 3 Lord, why are they increased that trouble me? many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no salvation for him in his God. But Thou, O Lord, art my support, my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy mount. I laid me down and slept; I rose up, for the Lord will support 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 them that are mine enemies without a cause; Thou hast broken the teeth of sinners. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord, and Thy blessing is upon Thy people. I laid me down and slept; I rose up, for the Lord will support me. PSALM 37 [38] O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, neither chasten me in Thy wrath. For Thine arrows are stuck fast in me, and Thou hast laid Thy hand heavily upon me. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Thine anger, neither is there any peace in my bones because of my sins. For mine iniquities are gone over my head; as an heavy burden have they pressed heavily upon me. My wounds are become noisome and corrupt, because of my foolishness. I have been wretched and bowed down greatly; I went with mourning countenance all the day long. For my loins are filled with mockings, and there is no healing in my flesh. I am troubled and brought down greatly; I have roared by reason of the groaning of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before Thee, and my groaning is not hid from Thee. My heart is troubled, my strength hath failed me; as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. My friends and my neighbours drew near and stood over against me, and my kinsmen stood afar off. They also that sought after my life used violence, and they that sought my hurt spake vanities, and imagined deceits all the day long. But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. And I became as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in Thee, O Lord, have I hoped; Thou wilt hear me, O Lord my God. For I said, Let never mine enemies rejoice over me; for when my feet slipped, they magnified themselves against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity, and be sorry for my sin. But mine enemies live, and are stronger than I, and they that hated me wrongfully are multiplied. They that render me evils for good have slandered me, because I followed the thing that good is. Forsake me not, O Lord my God; depart not from me. Attend to helping me, O Lord of my salvation. Forsake me not, O Lord my God; depart not from me. Attend to helping me, O Lord of my salvation. PSALM 62 [63] O God my God, early do I watch to Thee: my soul hath thirsted for Thee, how many ways my flesh hath longed for Thee, in a barren and untrodden land, where no water is. Thus have I appeared before Thee in the sanctuary, to see Thy power and glory. Because Thy mercy is better than lives; my lips shall praise Thee. Thus will I bless Thee while I live, and I will lift up my hands in Thy name. Let my soul be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips. If I remembered Thee upon my bed, I meditated on Thee in the morning watches. Because Thou hast been my help; and in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hath cleaved unto Thee; Thy right hand hath upholden me. But they have sought my soul in vain; they shall go into the lower parts of the earth: they shall be given over to the power of the sword, they shall be portions for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by Him shall be praised, for the mouth of them that speak unjustly hath been stopped. I meditated on Thee in the morning watches. Because Thou hast been my help; and in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hath cleaved unto Thee; Thy right hand hath upholden me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and for ever: world without end. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory be to Thee, O God. [3] Kyrie eleison. [3] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and for ever: world without end. Amen. PSALM 87 [88] O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee; incline thine ear unto my supplication. For my soul is full of evils, and my life hath drawn nigh unto Hades. 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 have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Thy wrath is made strong over me, and Thou hast brought all Thy waves upon me. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; they have made me an abomination unto them; I am delivered up, and I cannot come forth. Mine eyes are grown weak by reason of poverty. Lord, I have called daily upon Thee, I have stretched out my hands unto Thee. Wilt thou work wonders for the dead? or shall physicians raise them up to praise Thee? Shall any in the grave tell of Thy mercy, and of Thy truth in that destruction? Shall Thy wonders be known in that darkness, and Thy righteousness in the land of that is forgotten? But unto Thee have I cried, O Lord, and in the morning shall my prayer prevent Thee. Lord, why castest Thou off my soul, and turnest Thou Thy face from me? I am poor and in troubles from my youth up; yea, having been exalted, I was bowed down, and brought low unto distress. Thy fierce wrath hath gone over me, and Thy terrors have troubled me. They came round about me like water; all the day long they compassed me about together. Friend and neighbour hast Thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance, because of misery. O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee; incline thine ear unto my supplication. PSALM 102 [103] 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 His benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thine infirmities. Who redeemeth thy life from corruption, Who crowneth thee with mercy and loving kindness. Who satisfieth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be renewed like the eagle's. The Lord executeth mercy and judgment for all that are wronged. He made known His ways unto Moses, His will unto the sons of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, longsuffering and plenteous in mercy. He will not always be angry, neither will He be wrathful for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above 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 children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear Him; for He knoweth whereof we are made, He remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he flourish. For when the wind hath passed over it, it shall be gone, and it will know the place thereof no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness upon children's children, upon such as keep His testament, and remember His commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared His throne in heaven, and His kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word, to hearken unto the voice of His words. Bless ye the Lord, all ye His hosts, ye ministers of His that do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all ye works of His, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul. In all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul. PSALM 142 [143] Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear unto my supplication in Thy truth; hear 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 to the ground; he hath sat me in darkness, as those that have been long dead; and my spirit hath fainted within me, my heart within me is troubled. I remembered the days of old, I meditated on all Thy works, I considered the works of Thy hands. I stretched forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit hath fainted away; turn not Thy face 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 trust; cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for I have lifted up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies; I have fled unto Thee for refuge. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; Thy good Spirit shall lead me into the land of uprightness. Thou shalt quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name’s sake; in Thy righteousness shalt Thou bring my soul out of trouble; and of Thy mercy shalt Thou cut off mine enemies. And Thou shalt destroy all them that afflict my soul, for I am Thy servant. Hear me in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant. (2) Thy good Spirit shall lead me into the land of uprightness. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory be to Thee, O God. [3] Our hope, glory be to Thee, O Lord. PRIEST In peace let us pray unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [And after each petition] For the peace from on high, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray unto the Lord. For the peace and union of the whole world, and for the good estate of the holy churches of God, let us pray unto the Lord. For this holy temple and for them that enter therein with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray unto the Lord. For our father and Archbishop [name], for the honourable order of priesthood, and for the diaconate which is in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray unto the Lord. For this city [village, monastery]; for every city and land, and for them that dwell therein with faith, let us pray unto the Lord. For fair seasons and the abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray unto the Lord. For them that travel by land, by water, by air; for the sick and the suffering, For those in captivity, And for their salvation, let us pray unto the Lord. That we may be deliver from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray unto the Lord. Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace. Mindful of our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the saints; Let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God. CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord. PRIEST For unto Thee belong all glory, honour and worship, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Spirit; now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen. The Alleluia in tone 8 with the following verses. Verse 1) From the night my spirit rises early towards thee, O God, for thy commandments are a light upon the earth. Alleluia (3) Verse 2) Learn righteousness, ye that dwell on earth. Alleluia (3) Verse 3) Jealousy shall seize upon an untaught nation and now fire shall devour the adversaries. Alleluia (3) Verse 4) Bring more evils upon them, O Lord, bring more evils upon them that are glorious on earth. Alleluia (3) The Priest chanting the hymn "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night" shall exit the sanctuary by the north side holding the Icon of the Bridegroom, preceded by lighted candles, the six-winged seraphim and the Deacon censing, and shall make a procession inside the Church. On reaching the centre of the Church, where there has been placed an Icon stand the procession shall go around it three times and then the Priest shall place the Icon on the stand and censer it from all sides. He will then make three great prostrations and kiss the Icon. The people also will do the same. Tone 8 When the glorious Disciples, at the washing of feet at supper were illumined, then the ungodly Judas, was darkened by the disease of avarice, and to lawless judges he delivered thee the righteous judge. See, O lover of wealth, how for the sake of money he hanged himself. Flee that insatiable soul that dared to do such things against the Master. Thou who art good towards all men, O Lord, glory to thee. (3) DEACON: That we may be accounted worthy to hear the Holy Gospel, let us beseech the Lord our God. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison (3) DEACON: Wisdom. Stand steadfast. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. PRIEST: Peace unto all. CHOIR: And unto thy spirit. PRIEST: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. DEACON: Let us give heed. CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee. PRIEST Luke 22:1-39 At that time, the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee. Psalm 50 [51] Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgression, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight; that Thou mightest be justified in Thy sayings, and mightest overcome when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou revealed to me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that are humbled shall rejoice. Turn away Thy face 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 stablish me with Thy sovereign spirit. I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn again to Thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, 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 shew forth Thy praise. For hadst Thou desired sacrifice, I would have given it; Thou wilt not delight in whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, oblation and whole burnt offerings: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar. Canon by Kosmas the Monk Ode 1, Tone 6 Eirmos By a cut staff, the Red Sea in cut in two, and the deep that feeds the waves becomes dry. For the unarmed people it becomes a path and for those in armour a tomb. Thus a song well-pleasing to God was sung: Gloriously Christ our God hath been glorified. Glory to thee, O God, glory to thee. The infinite wisdom of God, the cause of all and giver of life, hath built his house, from a pure mother who hath not known man. For clothing himself in a bodily temple, Gloriously Christ our God hath been glorified. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Instructing his friends in the mysteries, the true Wisdom of God prepares a table that nourishes the soul and offers to the faithful the cup of eternal life. Let us approach with reverence and cry aloud: Gloriously Christ our God hath been glorified. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Ye faithful, let us all give ear to the exalted preaching of the uncreated and eternal Wisdom of God, for he cries: taste and know that I am good and cry aloud: Gloriously Christ our God hath been glorified. Katavasia By a cut staff, the Red Sea in cut in two, and the deep that feeds the waves becomes dry. For the unarmed people it becomes a path and for those in armour a tomb. Thus a song well-pleasing to God was sung: Gloriously Christ our God hath been glorified.
Ode 3 Eirmos O God, the Lord and creator of all, thou who art without passion, hast become poor and united thyself to the created, and as the Passover, thou hast offered thyself to those for whom thou wast soon to die for, crying: Eat my Body, and ye shall be made firm in faith. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Bringing salvation to all the mortal race, O Good One, thou hast given thy disciples to drink of the cup which thou hast filled with joy; for thou offerest thyself in sacrifice crying: Drink my Blood, and ye shall be made firm in faith. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. O forbearing Lord, thou hast aforesaid to thy disciples, how foolish is the traitor among you! He will not know these things, and being without understanding, will not understand, but abide in me and ye shall be made firm in faith. Katavasia O God, the Lord and creator of all, thou who art without passion, hast become poor and united thyself to the created, and as the Passover, thou hast offered thyself to those for whom thou wast soon to die for, crying: Eat my Body, and ye shall be made firm in faith. DEACON Again and again in peace let us pray unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition DEACON Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace. Mindful of our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the saints; Let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God. CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord. PRIEST For Thou art our God and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen. Kathisma Tone 1 Τὸν Τάφον σου Σωτὴρ He, who made the lakes and springs and seas, wishing to teach us the surpassing value of humility, girded Himself with a towel and washed the feet of the Disciples, humbling Himself in the abundance of His great compassion and raising us from the depths of wickedness, for He alone loves mankind. Another Tone 3 Θείας πίστεως Humbling thyself in thy compassion, thou hast washed the feet of thy disciples, and guided them on the divine path. Peter, who at first refused to be washed, thereafter submitted to thy divine command and was washed, and earnestly beseeched thee, that we may be granted thy great mercy. Another Tone 4 Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον Eating O Master, with thy disciples, thy most holy death thou hast, mystically revealed, through which we who honour, thy sacred Passion, from corruption are delivered. Ode 4 Eirmos The Prophet, foreseeing thine ineffable mystery, O Christ, cried aforehand: O merciful Father, thou hast manifested the mighty power of thy love, for thou, who art good, hast sent thine only begotten Son, for the reconciliation of the world. Glory to thee, O God, glory to thee. Going to thy Passion, the source of dispassion for all the descendants of Adam, to thy friends, thou hast said, O Christ: I have desired to eat this Pascha with you, for the Father hath sent me, his only begotten Son, for the reconciliation of the world. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Partaking of the cup, O Lord Immortal, thou hast cried to thy disciples: In this present life, I will no more drink with you from the fruit of the vine, for the Father hath sent me, his only begotten Son, for the reconciliation of the world. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Thou hast said to thy friends, O Christ, in my Kingdom, I shall drink a new drink beyond understanding, and I shall be with you as God among gods; for the Father hath sent me, his only begotten Son, for the reconciliation of the world. Katavasia The Prophet, foreseeing thine ineffable mystery, O Christ, cried aforehand: O merciful Father, thou hast manifested the mighty power of thy love, for thou, who art good, hast sent thine only begotten Son, for the reconciliation of the world. Ode 5 Eirmos The Apostles, united by the bond of love, offered themselves to Christ the Master of all, and having their beautiful feet washed, preached peace to all. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. The Wisdom of God, that restrains the untamed fury of the waters that are above the firmament, that sets a bridle on the deep, and holds back the seas, pours water into a basin, and the Master washes the feet of his servants. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. The Master shows to his disciples an example of humility; he who wraps the heaven in clouds, and in whose hand is the life of all things, girds himself with a towel, and bends the knee to wash the feet of his servants. Katavasia The Apostles, united by the bond of love, offered themselves to Christ the Master of all, and having their beautiful feet washed, preached peace to all. Ode 6 Eirmos Ὠδὴ ς' Ὁ Εἱρμὸς The uttermost depths of sin have compassed me about, and no longer able to bear its violent waves, like Jonah I cry out to thee, O Master, lead me up from corruption. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. O disciples, ye call me Lord and Master, for so I am, thou didst say O Saviour; follow then the example ye have seen in me. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. He who is free from defilement needs no washing of feet. Ye, my disciples are clean, but not all of you, for one of you is unruly inclined to insanity. Katavasia The uttermost depths of sin have compassed me about, and no longer able to bear its violent waves, like Jonah I cry out to thee, O Master, lead me up from corruption. DEACON Again and again in peace let us pray unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition DEACON Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace. Mindful of our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the saints; Let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God. CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord. PRIEST For Thou art the King of peace and the Saviour of our souls, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen. Kontakion Tone 2. Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν Having taking the bread in his hands, the traitor then secretly stretched them out to receive the price of him who fashioned man with his own hands, and remained unrepentant, Judas the slave and deceiver. Oikos With fear let us all draw near to the mystical table, and let us receive the bread with pure souls; let us remain beside the Master, that we may see how he washes the feet of the disciples and wipes them with a towel, and let us do as we have seen, being subject to one another, and washing one another's feet, for such is the commandment Christ himself aforesaid to his disciples; but he paid no heed, Judas the slave and deceiver. Synaxarion On holy and great Thursday, the holy fathers having appointed all things well, have handed down to us that we should celebrate in succession four events from the divine Apostles and the Sacred Gospels: the Sacred Washing (of the Disciples feet); the Mystical Supper (that is the handing down to us of the dread Mysteries); the most magnificent Prayer, and the Betrayal. Verses for the sacred Washing In the evening God washes the feet of the disciples, Whose feet walked in Eden in that afternoon of old. For the Mystical Supper Twofold is the Supper, the Passover received by the Law, And the New Pascha, the Blood and Body of the Master. For the most magnificent Prayer While Praying, what frightful happenings, for drops of blood, On thy face appear, O Christ, by this supposedly, Unresigned to death, misleading the enemy For the Betrayal What need of swords and staves, O ye deluders of the people, Against him who is willing to die for the deliverance of the world. Through thine ineffable compassion, O Christ our God, have mercy upon us. Amen. Ode 7 Eirmos The children in Babylon, did not fear the flame of the furnace, but cast into the midst of the flame, they were refreshed and sang: Blessed art thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers. Glory to thee, O God, glory to thee. Judas, shaking his head, and having evil in mind, departed seeking opportunity to deliver to condemnation the Judge, who is Lord of all and God of our fathers. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. To his friends, Christ said: one will betray me, and they forgetting their gladness, were seized with grief and anguish, saying: who shall this be? Tell us, O God of our fathers. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. He that dares to dip his hand in the dish with me, it would have been good for him had he never passed through the gates of life. By this will the traitor be revealed, declared the God of our fathers. Katavasia The children in Babylon, did not fear the flame of the furnace, but cast into the midst of the flame, they were refreshed and sang: Blessed art thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers. Ode 8 Eirmos The blessed youths in Babylon, accepting danger for the sake of their father's laws, scorned the senseless order of the king, and united with the fire which devoured them not, they sang a hymn fitting for the almighty: O ye works of the Lord, praise him and exalt him above all for ever. Glory to thee, O God, glory to thee. The apostles, the blessed supper guests in Zion, firmly committed to the Word, followed the Shepherd like sheep. United with Christ, from whom they were not parted, and nourished with the divine Word, they cried in thanksgiving: O ye works of the Lord, praise him and exalt him above all for ever. We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Infamous Iscariot, wilfully forgetting the law of friendship, prepared for the betrayal on the feet that thou didst wash, O Christ, and eating thy bread, thy divine Body, he lifted up his heel against thee, for he knew not how to cry: O ye works of the Lord, praise him and exalt him above all for ever. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. He who was without conscience, received with his right hand the Body that delivers men from sin and the divine Blood that was shed for the world, but he was not ashamed to drink what he had sold for a price, nor did he turn aside from evil, for he knew not how to cry: O ye works of the Lord, praise him and exalt him above all for ever. We praise, bless and worship the Lord. Καταβασία The blessed youths in Babylon, accepting danger for the sake of their father's laws, scorned the senseless order of the king, and united with the fire which devoured them not, they sang a hymn fitting for the almighty: O ye works of the Lord, praise him and exalt him above all for ever. DEACON Let us honour in hymns and magnify the Theotokos and Mother of the Light. CHOIR Ode 9. Eirmos Come, ye faithful, let us with our minds raised on high enjoy the Master's hospitality and the table of immortality in that upper room, and let us learn the exalted teaching of the Word, whom we magnify. Glory to thee, O God, glory to thee. Go, said the Word to the disciples, and prepare the Passover in the upper room, where the mind must be firmly fixed, for those whom I will guide, with the unleavened word of truth, to the knowledge of my Mysteries: and magnify the strength of grace. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Before the ages the Father begat me, the creative Wisdom, the beginning of his ways. He created me for the works which are now being mystically accomplished, for though I the Word am by nature uncreated, I familiarise myself with the language of the nature that I have now assumed. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Just as I am man in reality and not a figment of the imagination, likewise, by way of giving in return, the human nature united in me, is God. Therefore know me, the one Christ, who preserves in him the two natures from which he came forth and is. Katavasia Come, ye faithful, let us with our minds raised on high enjoy the Master's hospitality and the table of immortality in that upper room, and let us learn the exalted teaching of the Word, whom we magnify. DEACON Again and again in peace let us pray unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition DEACON Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace. Mindful of our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the saints; Let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God. CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord. PRIEST For all the powers of heaven praise Thee, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen. Exapostilarion Tone 3 I see Thy bridal chamber all adorned, O my Saviour, but I have no wedding garment so that I may enter in. Make bright the vesture of my soul, O Giver of light, and save me. At the Praises (Lauds) Tone 2 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights. To Thee belongeth the hymn, O God. Praise the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights. To thee belongeth the hymn, O God. And the following Stichera Tone 2 Verse 1: Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. In haste, the council of the Jews assembles, that it may deliver the Creator and Fashioner of all to Pilate. Oh, the transgressors, Oh, the unbelievers; for they make ready to deliver unto judgement him who comes to judge the living and the dead, they prepare for the Passion him who cure the passions. O Longsuffering Lord, great is thy mercy, glory to thee. Verse 2: Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Judas the transgressor, who, O Lord, dipped his hand with thee in the dish at supper, stretch out his hands to receive the silver, and having reckoned up the value of the myrrh, was not fearful in selling thee who is above all price. He stretched out his feet to be washed, yet deceitfully kissed the Master to betray him to the transgressors. Cast out from the company of the Apostles, and casting away the thirty pieces of silver, he did not see thy Resurrection on the third day, through this thy Resurrection have mercy on us. Verse 3: Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Judas the deceitful traitor, with a deceitful kiss handed over the Lord and Saviour; he sold the Master of all as a slave to the transgressors, and like a sheep to the slaughter, so the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, followed, for he alone is plenteous in mercy. Verse 4: Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Judas the servant and deceiver, the disciple and conspirator, the friend and fiend, was revealed by his deeds; for he followed the Master yet inwardly he plotted the betrayal; saying to himself, "I shall deliver him over and gain the money that has been agreed"; he wanted the myrrh to be sold and Jesus to be taken by deceit; he gave a kiss and handed over Christ; and like a sheep to the slaughter so he followed, for he alone is compassionate and the lover of mankind. Glory be to the Father… Now and for ever… The Lamb whom Isaiah proclaimed comes willingly to the slaughter, and gives his back to scourges, his cheeks to blows, and turns not away his face from the shame of the spittings; he is condemned to a disgraceful death; he who is without sin accepts all these things willingly, that he may grant to all the resurrection from the dead. PRIEST To Thee is due glory, O Lord our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. READER Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee, for Thy great mercy. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty; O Lord the Only- begotten Son Jesus Christ, and Thou O Holy Spirit. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us, Thou that takest away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, Thou that sittest on the right hand of the Father, and have mercy upon us. For Thou only art Holy, Thou only art the Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Everyday I will bless Thee and praise Thy name for ever and ever. O Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation. I said, Lord have mercy upon 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 with Thee is the fountain of life, and in Thy light shall we see light. Continue Thy mercy upon those that know Thee. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Thy name for evermore. Amen. O Lord, let Thy mercy lighten upon us as our trust is in Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes. Blessed art Thou, O Master: make me to understand Thy statutes. Blessed art Thou, O Holy One: enlighten me with Thy statutes. O Lord, Thy mercy is for ever: despise not the works of Thine hands. To Thee belongeth praise, to Thee belongeth hymns, to Thee belongeth glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. DEACON Let us complete our supplication unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison DEACON Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us O God, by Thy grace. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and without sin, let us entreat the Lord. CHOIR: Grant us O Lord. [And after each petition] DEACON For an angel of peace, faithful guide and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us entreat the Lord. For pardon and remission of our sins and transgression, let us entreat the Lord. For things good and profitable to our souls, and peace for the world, let us entreat the Lord. That we may pass the remainder of our lives in peace and repentance, let us entreat the Lord. For a Christian ending to our life, painless, without shame and peaceful, and a good defence before the dread judgement seat of Christ, let us entreat the Lord. Mindful of our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary; and of all the saints; Let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God. CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord. PRIEST For Thou art the God of mercies, compassions and loving-kindness, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen. PRIEST: Peace unto all. CHOIR: And unto thy spirit. DEACON: Let us bow down our heads before the Lord. CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord. PRIEST O Holy Lord, who dwellest in the highest, and dost observe what is humble, and Thine all observing eye dost look upon all Thy creation, to Thee have we bowed the neck of our soul and body, and beseech Thee, Holy of Holies, stretch forth Thine invisible hand from Thy holy habitation, and bless everyone of us: and whatsoever sins we have committed, voluntary or involuntary, do Thou forgive, for Thou art, O God, good and lovest mankind, and grant unto us Thy worldly and heavenly riches. For Thine it is to have mercy, and to save, O Christ our God, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen. Aposticha Yone 8 Ἦχος πλ. δ' Today the evil Sanhedrin has assembled against Christ, and devised vain things against him, to deliver him, though innocent, to Pilate to be put to death. Today Judas places round his neck the noose of money, and deprives himself of both this temporal life and the divine. Today Caiaphas unintentionally prophesies saying: It is expedient that one man should perish for the people, for he came to suffer for our sins, that he might set us free from the bondage of the enemy, for he is good and loving-kind. Verse: He who ate my bread has lifted up his heel against me. Today Judas conceals his charade of love for the poor, and reveals the form of his greed. No longer does he care for the needy; no longer does he sell the myrrh of the sinful woman, but the heavenly Myrrh, and from it he usurps the pieces of silver. He runs to the Jews and says to the transgressors: what will ye give me and I will deliver him to you? O avarice of the traitor! He makes the price favourable, towards that esteemed by the buyers and concludes the transaction. He does not dispute over the price, but sells him like a runaway slave, for it is the custom of thieves to throw away what is precious. Now the disciple casts what is holy to the dogs, for the fury of avarice made him rage against his own Master. Let us flee from such a passion crying: O Longsuffering Lord, glory to thee. Verse: He went abroad, and spake in like manner. All they that hate me whispered together against me; against me did they devise evils for me. O lawless Judas, thy way of life is full of deceit, for being sick with the love of money thou hast gained hatred for mankind. If thou didst love wealth, why didst thou keep company with him who taught poverty? But if thou didst love him, why didst thou sell the One who is priceless, handing him over to be murdered? Tremble, O sun, groan, O earth, and quaking cry aloud: O Longsuffering Lord, glory to thee. Verse: They set down an unjust word against me, Shall he that sleepeth rise up again? Let no one, O ye faithful, remain without partaking of the Lord's Supper, absolutely let no one approach the table with deceit like Judas, for he having received a portion, moved against the Bread, he appeared as a disciple, but in reality was there as a murderer; he rejoiced with the Jews, yet kept company with the Apostles, he kissed whom he hated, and with his kiss he sold the God and Saviour of our souls, who redeemed us from the curse. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. O lawless Judas, thy way of life is full of deceit, for being sick with the love of money thou hast gained hatred for mankind. If thou didst love wealth, why didst thou keep company with him who taught poverty? But if thou didst love him, why didst thou sell the One who is priceless, handing him over to be murdered? Tremble, O sun, groan, O earth, and quaking cry aloud: O Longsuffering Lord, glory to thee. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Tone 5 O Lord, wanting to initiate thy disciples in thy mystery, thou didst teach them saying: My friends, take care that no fear separates you from me, for though I suffer, yet it is for the sake of the world. Do not be scandalized because of me; for I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give my life as a ransom for the world. If then ye are my friends, imitate me: he who would be first, let him be the last; let the master be as the servant. Abide in me, that ye may bear fruit, for I am the vine of life. PRIEST It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy Name, O Most High: to tell of Thy mercy in the morning and of Thy truth every night. READER O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3) Glory…Now and for ever… Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [3] Glory…Now and for ever… Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. PRIEST For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen. Troparion of the Prophecy Tone 3 Thou, O Lord, who wast struck in the face for the sake of mankind, and wast not angered, set our life free from corruption and save us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. O Lord, set our life free from corruption and save us. Now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Thou, O Lord, who wast struck in the face for the sake of mankind, and wast not angered, set our life free from corruption and save us. Prokheimenon Tone 1 Let the nations know that Lord is Thy name; Verse: O God, who shall be likened unto Thee? The reading from the Prophecy of Jeremiah. (chap. 11:18-23, 12:1-5, 9-11, 14-15) O Lord, teach me, and I shall know: then saw I their doings. But I, as an innocent lamb that is led to the slaughter, knew not: they devised an evil device against me, saying, Come, let us put wood into his bread, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, and let his name be no more remembered. O Lord, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the hearts, let me see Thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I declared my cause. Therefore thus saith the Lord of the men of Anathoth, that seek my life, that say, Thou shalt not prophesy at all in the name of the Lord, but if thou dost, thou shalt die by our hands: behold, I will visit upon them: their young men shall die by the sword; and their sons and their daughters shall die by famine: and there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the inhabitants of Anathoth, even in the year of their visitation. Righteous art Thou, O Lord, for I will make my defence unto Thee; yet let me talk with Thee of judgments. Wherefore is it that the way of the ungodly doth prosper? Wherefore did all they flourish that deal very treacherously? Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they have begotten children, and are become fruitful; Thou art near to their mouth, and far from their reins. But Thou, O Lord, knowest me; Thou hast proved my heart before Thee; purify them for the day of their slaughter. How long shall the land mourn, and the grass of the field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are utterly destroyed, and the birds; because they said, God shall not see our ways. Thy feet run, and they undo thee; Go ye, assemble all the wild beasts of the field, and let them come to devour her. Many pastors have destroyed My vineyard, they have defiled My portion, they have made My desirable portion an untrodden wilderness: it is made an annihilation of destruction: for My sake the whole land is utterly destroyed, because there is no man that layeth it to heart. For thus saith the Lord about all the evil neighbours that touch Mine inheritance, which I have divided unto My people Israel; Behold, I will draw them away from their land, and I will cast out Judah from among them. And it shall come to pass, that I will return, and have mercy upon them, and cause them to dwell every one in his heritage, and every one in his land.
Prokheimenon Tone 6 Vow, and pay unto the Lord thy God; Verse: In Judah is God known; His name is great in Israel. DEACON Have mercy upon us, O God, after Thy great goodness. We pray Thee, hear us and have mercy. Again we pray for our Archbishop [Name], and for all our brethren in Christ. Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all the pious Orthodox Christians who dwell or visit this city [town, village, monastery], the parishioners, the Church committee, those who give help and those who have dedicated gifts in this holy temple. Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy Church [monastery] and for all our departed fathers, brethren, and Orthodox Christians everywhere who have fallen asleep. Again we pray for them that strive and bring forth the fruit of good works in this holy and venerable temple; for them that serve, and them that sing; and for all the people here present who await Thy great and bountiful mercy. PRIEST For Thou art a merciful God, and a lover of mankind, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR Amen. PRIEST Wisdom. Christ our God, the Supreme Being, is blessed always, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR Amen. PRIEST Glory be to Thee, O Christ our God and our hope, glory be to Thee. CHOIR Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. Kyrie eleison [3], holy father give the blessing. PRIEST By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. CHOIR: Amen.
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