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THE PEOPLE'S HANDBOOK

 

HOLY AND GREAT TUESDAY
AT MATINS

(SUNG ON HOLY MONDAY 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.

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.

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)

Tone 8

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night,* and blessed is that servant whom he shall find watching,* unworthy however, is he whom he shall find slothful.* Thus beware, O my soul, be not overcome by sleep,* lest thou be* given over to death and find the door of the Kingdom shut against thee.* But arouse thyself and cry aloud:* Holy, holy, holy art thou, O God,* through the prayers of the Forerunner, save us.

The hymn is repeated by both choirs.

At the end of the second hymn:

*Through the prayers of St. (the saint to whom the church is dedicated) save us.

At the end of the third hymn:

*Through the Mother of God, have mercy upon us.

PRIEST

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

After each petition, the choir shall sing: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy.

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 Thine is the might, and 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.

Kathisma Tone 4

Lifted up of Thine own will upon the Cross

Let us love the Bridegroom, O brethren, and let us carefully prepare our lamps, shining with the virtues and right faith, so that like the wise virgins of the Lord, we may be ready to enter with him into the wedding feast, for God the Bridegroom as a gift, grants to all, the crown incorruptible

Kathisma Tone 4

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσὴφ

The priests and scribes, O Saviour, with wicked envy, gathered against thee, a lawless council, and persuaded Judas to betray thee, therefore we went out and shamefully, spoke against thee to the lawless people; What will you give me and I will deliver him into your hands? O Lord, deliver our souls, from this condemnation.  

 

Kathisma Tone 8

Τὴν Σοφίαν, καὶ Λόγον

Hostile Judas with thoughts of greed, is motivated to contemplate, against the Master, and meditates the betrayal. From the light he falls, accepting the darkness, he agrees the price and sales the priceless one, wherefore the most wretched, is rewarded for his deeds, he finds a hangman's noose, and death in agony. From a fate as his deliver us, O Christ our God, granting remission of sins to those, who with desire celebrate, thy most pure Passion. (2)

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

Matthew 22:15-23:39

At that time, the Pharisees took counsel how they might entangle Jesus in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine. But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the  blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

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.

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

Think, wretched soul, upon the hour of the end, and recall with fear the cutting down of the fig tree, with the talent given thee work diligently, be vigilant and cry aloud: May we not be left outside the bridal chamber of Christ.

Oikos

Why art thou slothful, my wretched soul? Why dost thou waste time dwelling on senseless cares? Why dost thou occupy thyself with the things that pass away? The last hour is a hand, and we shall soon be parted from what is here. While there is still time, arouse thyself and cry: I have sinned against thee, O my Saviour, do not cut me down like the unfruitful fig tree, but in thy compassion, O Christ, take pity on me as I cry to thee in fear: May we not be left outside the bridal chamber of Christ.

  Synaxarion

On Holy and Great Tuesday we commemorate the parable of the Ten Virgins from the sacred Gospel.

Verses

Great Tuesday bears the ten Virgins,

Who bear the victory of the unbiased Master.

But, O Bridegroom Christ, number us among the wise Virgins, and assign us to thy chosen flock, and have mercy upon us. Amen.

Canon by Kosmas the Monk

Ode 8, Tone 2

Eirmos

The three holy Children, were not persuaded, to be obedient to the tyrant's decree, and cast into the furnace, they confessed God singing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.

Glory to thee, O God, glory to thee.

Let us cast aside slothfulness, and with brightly shining lamps and with hymns, let us meet Christ the immortal Bridegroom, crying: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.

We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

May we have sufficient, oil of fellowship, in the vessels of our souls so that, spending not the time of rewards in its purchase, we may sing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.

Now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

The talent of equal grace from God, as many of you as have received, increase it with the help of Christ who gave it, as you sing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.

We praise, bless and worship the Lord.

Katavasia

The three holy Children, were not persuaded, to be obedient to the tyrant's decree, and cast into the furnace, they confessed God singing: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.

DEACON

Let us honour in hymns and magnify the Theotokos and Mother of the Light.

CHOIR

Ode 9. Eirmos

God who cannot be contained, thou didst contain in thy womb, and didst bear joy to the world, therefore we praise thee, Most Holy Virgin.

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

O thou who art good, to thy disciples thou hast said, be watchful for in what hour ye know not, the Lord cometh to reward every man.  

Now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

At thy dread and fearful, second coming, O Master, number me with the sheep at thy right hand, overlooking the multitude of my sins. 

Katavasia

God who cannot be contained, thou didst contain in thy womb, and didst bear joy to the world, therefore we praise thee, Most Holy Virgin.

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 1

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 1

Verse 1: Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

How may I, unworthy as I am, enter into the brightness of Thy saints? For if I come boldly to the king’s palace my apparel doth convict me, in that I have no wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast away by the angels. O Lord, cleanse my soul from all filthiness, And save me for Thou art loving-kind.

 

Verse 2: Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp.

How may I, unworthy as I am, enter into the brightness of Thy saints? For if I come boldly to the king’s palace my apparel doth convict me, in that I have no wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast away by the angels. O Lord, cleanse my soul from all filthiness, And save me for Thou art loving-kind.

Verse 3: Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.

Tone 2

Slumbering in slothfulness of soul, O Bridegroom Christ, I have not obtained a lamp burning with virtues, and like the foolish virgins, I go wandering when it is time to act. Close not thy compassionate heart against me, O Master, but shake off my dark sleep and rouse me, and with the wise Virgins lead me into thy bridal chamber, where those who feast with pure voices unceasingly cry: O Lord, glory to thee.

Verse 4: Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.

Slumbering in slothfulness of soul, O Bridegroom Christ, I have not obtained a lamp burning with virtues, and like the foolish virgins, I go wandering when it is time to act. Close not thy compassionate heart against me, O Master, but shake off my dark sleep and rouse me, and with the wise Virgins lead me into thy bridal chamber, where those who feast with pure voices unceasingly cry: O Lord, glory to thee.

Glory be to the Father… Now and for ever…

Tone 4

Having heard, O my soul, of the condemnation of him who hid his talent, hide not the word of God. Proclaim his wonders, that increasing the gift of grace, thou mayest enter into the joy of the Lord.

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

Tone 6

Come ye faithful, let us eagerly work for the Master, for he gives wealth to his servants, and according each to his measure, let us multiply the talent of grace. Let one gain wisdom through good deeds, let another celebrate the Liturgy with splendour, let another faithfully communicate the word to the uninstructed, and let another distribute his wealth to the poor. Thus shall we increase what is entrusted to us, and as faithful stewards of his grace, we shall be accounted worthy of the Master's joy; of this make us worthy, O Christ our God for thou lovest mankind.

Verse: We were filled in the morning with Thy mercy, O Lord, and we rejoiced and were glad. In all our days, let us be glad: for the days wherein Thou hast humbled us, for the years wherein we have seen evil. And look upon Thy servants, and upon Thy works, and do Thou guide their sons.

When thou shalt come, O Jesus, in glory with the angelic hosts, and sit upon the throne of judgement, do not turn me away, O Good Shepherd, for thou dost know the ways of righteousness, perverse are those on the left, therefore destroy me not with the goats, though I am hardened in sin, but number me with the sheep on thy right hand and save me for thou art loving-kind.

Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us: prosper Thou the work of our hands, O prosper Thou our handiwork.

O Bridegroom, surpassing in beauty all men, who hast called us to the spiritual feast of thy bridal chamber, divest my ill‐clad form of offences through the participation in thy sufferings, adorn me with the glorious robe of thy beauty, declare me as a joyful guest in thy kingdom, for thou art compassionate.  

Glory be to the Father… Now and for ever…

Tone 7

Behold, O my soul, the master entrusts thee with a talent. Receive the gift with fear, make it gain interest for him by distributing it to the poor, an gain the Lord as your friend, so that thou mightest stand on his right hand when he comes in glory and hear his blessed voice: Enter, servant, into the joy of the Lord. Though I have gone astray, O Saviour, in thy great mercy, make me worthy of this.  

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.

Kontakion Tone 2.

Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν

Think, wretched soul, upon the hour of the end, and recall with fear the cutting down of the fig tree, with the talent given thee work diligently, be vigilant and cry aloud: May we not be left outside the bridal chamber of Christ.

Kyrie eleison [12]. Glory be to the Father...   Now and for ever....  

More honourable than the cherubim and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, who inviolate didst bear God the Word, very Mother of God, thee we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

Christ our God, the Supreme Being, is blessed always, now and for ever: world without end.

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST:  

O heavenly King, uphold our faithful rulers, strengthen the faith, calm the nations, give peace to the world. Preserve this city [village, monastery], grant to our fathers and brethren that they may dwell with the righteous, and accept us in repentance and confession: for Thou art good and lovest mankind.

And the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian with three prostrations.

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust for power, and vain words.

But the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love, grant unto me Thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed  art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

Then 12 prostrations and again:

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed  art Thou for ever and ever. 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

May the Lord, who cometh to the voluntary passion, for our salvation, Christ our true God, by the prayers of His most holy Mother; by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; by the protection of the heavenly bodiless hosts; through the supplications of the glorious Prophet and Forerunner, John the Baptist; of the holy and all-glorious Apostles; of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs; of our holy God-bearing fathers; of [Name of the saint to whom the Church is dedicated]; of the holy and righteous progenitors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the saints, have mercy upon us, and save our souls: For He is good and loving-kind.

By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us.

CHOIR: Amen.