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THE PEOPLE'S HANDBOOK

 

THE SERVICE OF THE

HOLY PASSION

(SUNG ON HOLY AND GREAT THURSDAY EVENING)

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THE SERVICE OF THE HOLY AND REDEEMING PASSION OF OUR LORD AND GOD JESUS CHRIST

MATTINS OF GREAT FRIDAY SUNG ON HOLY AND GREAT THURSDAY EVENING

 

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 strengthen thee out of Zion; remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt offerings; grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy council. We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. Now know I that the Lord saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, Lord: let the King hear us when we call.

PSALM 20 [21]

The King shall joy in Thy strength, O Lord; and in Thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. For Thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: Thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever. His glory is great in Thy salvation: honour and majesty hast Thou laid upon him. For Thou hast made him exceeding glad with Thy countenance. For the king trusteth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved. Thine hand shall find out all Thine enemies: Thy right hand shall find out those that hate Thee. Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of Thine anger: the Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their fruit shalt Thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended evil against Thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform. Therefore shalt Thou make them turn their back, when Thou shalt make ready Thine arrows upon Thy strings against the face of them. Be Thou exalted, Lord, in Thine own strength: so will we 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, how 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 help for him in God. But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; 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 hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord, save me, O my God: for Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: Thy blessing is upon Thy people.

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

PSALM 37 [38]

O Lord, rebuke me not in Thy wrath: neither chasten me in Thy hot displeasure. For Thine arrows stick fast in me, and Thy hand presseth me sore. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before Thee; my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine 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. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in Thee, O Lord, do I hope: Thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. For I said, hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me.

Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

 

 

PSALM 62 [63]

O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary. Because Thy lovingkindness is better that life, my lips shall praise Thee. Thus will I bless while I live: I will lift up my hands in Thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips: when I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches. Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after Thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me. But those that seek my soul to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

I meditate on Thee in the night watches. Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.

My soul followeth hard after Thee: Thy right hand upholdeth 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 cried day and night before Thee: let my prayer come before Thee: incline Thine ear into my cry; for my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am a man that hath no strength: free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from Thy hand. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and Thou hast afflicted me with all Thy waves. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; Thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth. Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon Thee, I have stretched out my hands unto Thee. Wilt Thou shew wonders to the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise Thee? Shall Thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Thy faithfulness in destruction? Shall Thy wonders be known in the dark? And Thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? But unto Thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent Thee. Lord, why castest Thou off my soul? Why hidest Thou Thy face from me? I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer Thy terrors I am distracted. Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; Thy terrors have cut me off. They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. Lover and friend hast Thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

O Lord God of my salvation, I cried day and night before Thee.

Let my prayer come before Thee: incline Thine ear into my cry.

 

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 thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement for all that are oppressed. He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and glorious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will He keep His anger 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, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As Far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him. And His righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth all. Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His, that do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works 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 to my supplications: in Thy faithfulness answer me, and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgement with Thy servant: for in Thy sight shall no man be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have long been dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee: my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like them that go down to the pit. Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee to hide me. Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name’s sake: for Thy righteousness’ sake: bring my soul out of trouble. And of Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am Thy servant.

Answer me, and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgement with Thy servant. (2)

Thy Spirit is good; 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

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. John.

DEACON: Let us give heed.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

First Gospel

John 13:31-38, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18: 1

The Lord said unto his disciples: Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do  shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus  Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

We then sing the following Antiphons

Antiphon 1 Tone 8

The rulers of the people took counsel together against the Lord and against his Anointed.

They laid a lawless accusation against me. O Lord, Lord, forsake me not.

Let us bring our senses pure to Christ, and as his friends let us sacrifice our souls for him, and let us not, as Judas, choke ourselves with the cares of this life, but in our inner chambers let us cry: Our Father who art in heaven, deliver us from the evil one.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

As a chaste virgin thou didst give birth, and a virgin thou didst remain, O Mother unwedded, Mary the Mother of God. Pray to Christ our God that we may be saved.

Antiphon 2  Tone 6

Judas ran to the lawless scribes and said: What will ye give me, and I shall deliver him to you? And as they came to an agreement thou thyself wast invisibly standing in their midst in agreement. O Thou who knowest the hearts of men, spare our souls.

With mercy let us serve God, as Mary at the supper; and let us not as Judas acquire love of money, that we may ever abide with Christ our God.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

Cease not to intercede, O Virgin, unto him whom thou didst unexplainably bring forth, for he loves mankind: that he may save from danger all who flee to thee for refuge.

Antiphon 3 Tone 2

Because of the raising of Lazarus, O Lord, the children of the Hebrews cried Hosanna unto thee, the lover of mankind: but Judas the transgressor was unwilling to understand.

At thy supper, O Christ our God, thou didst foretell to thy disciples: One of you shall betray me. But Judas the transgressor was unwilling to understand.

When John asked thee, O Lord, Who is he that shall betray thee? Thou didst reveal him through the bread. But Judas the transgressor was unwilling to understand.

With thirty pieces of silver, O Lord, and with a deceitful kiss, the Jews sought to kill thee. But Judas the transgressor was unwilling to understand.

During the washing of the feet, O Christ our God, thou didst exhort thy disciples: Do as ye have seen me do. But Judas the transgressor was unwilling to understand.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation, thou, our God, didst say to thy disciples. But Judas the transgressor was unwilling to understand.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

Preserve thy servants from every danger, O Mother of God, for after God, unto thee do we flee for refuge; an unassailable wall and protection.

Kathisma Tone 7

As thou gavest food to the disciples at the supper, and knowing the plot for the betrayal, thou didst reproach Judas for it.  Thou didst know that he would be unrepentant, yet thou didst desire for all to know that thou wast betrayed of thine own will, to save the world from the enemy. O longsuffering Lord, glory to thee.

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. John.

DEACON: Let us give heed.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST:

Second Gospel

John 18:1-28

At that time, Jesus went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew. Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

Antiphon 4 Tone 5

Today Judas forsakes the Master and accepts the devil: he is blinded by the passion of avarice and darkened he falls from the Light. For how could he see, who sold the Light for thirty pieces of silver? But He who suffered for the world has like the dawn risen upon us, to whom we cry:   O Thou who dost suffer for and with the human race, glory to Thee.

Today Judas makes a pretence of godliness and becomes a stranger to the gift of grace; though a disciple, he becomes a traitor, and under a guise of friendship he conceals deceit. In his foolishness he prefers thirty pieces of silver to the Master’s love, and acts as guide to the lawless Sanhedrin. But we have Christ as our salvation: let us glorify Him.

Tone 1

As brethren in Christ, let us acquire brotherly love; and let us not be lacking in compassion for our neighbour, lest we be condemned like the unmerciful servant, because of money and repent like Judas to no purpose.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

Glorious things are spoken of thee throughout all the world, for thou didst bear in the flesh the Maker of all, O Mary, Mother of God unwedded, worthy of all praise.

Antiphon 5 Tone 6

The disciple of the Master agreed upon the price, and for thirty pieces of silver he sold the Lord; with a deceitful kiss he delivered him to the transgressors and to death.

Today the Creator of heaven and earth said to His disciples:  The hour is at hand, and Judas who betrays me has arrived. Let none of you deny me when ye see me on the Cross between two thieves, for as man I suffer, but as Lover of mankind I save those who believe in me.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

O Virgin who in the last days didst ineffably conceived and bear thine own Creator, save those who magnify thee.

Antiphon 6 Tone 7

Today Judas watches how he may betray the Lord, the pre-eternal Saviour of the world, who with five loaves satisfied the multitude. Today the transgressor denies his Teacher; though a disciple he betrays the Master selling him for silver who satisfied mankind with manna.

 

Today the Jews nailed to the Cross the Lord who divided the sea with a rod and led them through the wilderness. Today they pierced his side with a lance who for their sake smote Egypt with plagues; and gave him gall to drink, who rained down manna on them for food.

 

O Lord, as Thou camest to thy voluntary Passion, thou didst cry aloud to thy disciples: If ye have not strength to keep watch with me even for one hour, why then did ye promise to die for my sake? Do ye see how Judas sleeps not, but makes haste to deliver me to the transgressors? Arise and pray, and let none deny me when ye see me on the Cross.” O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

Hail, O Mother of God, who hast contained within thy womb him whom the heavens cannot contain. Hail, Virgin whom the prophets preached: through thee Emmanuel has shone forth upon us. Hail, Mother of Christ our God.

Kathisma Tone 7

What caused thee, Judas, to betray the Saviour? Did he separate thee from the company of the apostles? Did he deprive thee of the gift of healing? When thou wast at supper with the others, did he drive thee from the table? When he washed the others’ feet, did overlook thine? Oh how many are the blessings that thou hast forgotten! But while the ingratitude of thy mind is condemned, his measureless longsuffering is proclaimed and his great mercy.

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

Third Gospel

Matthew 26:57-75

At that time, the soldiers laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye   have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. 

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

Antiphon 7 Tone 8

Suffering the transgressors to lay hold on thee, O Lord, thou hast cried aloud: Although ye smite the Shepherd and scatter the twelve sheep, my disciples, yet could I call to mine aid more than twelve legions of angels, but in my patience I forbear, that the obscure and hidden secrets I made known to you through my prophets may be fulfilled. O Lord, glory to Thee.

Peter denied thee three times, and straightway he understood thy words; but he offered thee tears of repentance. O God, be merciful to me and save me.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

As a gateway of salvation, a Paradise of delight and a cloud of everlasting light, lets us all hymn the holy Virgin and say to her: Rejoice!

Antiphon Eight Tone 2

Say ye O transgressors, what did ye hear from our Saviour? Did he not expound the Law and the teaching of the prophets? How then have ye taken counsel to deliver up to Pilate him who is God the Word that came from God, and the Deliverer of our souls?

Let Him be crucified! they cried, they who  had always taken pleasure in thy gifts of grace; and in place of their Benefactor, the murderers of the righteous asked to receive a malefactor. But thou, O Christ, wast silent and didst endure their impudence, wishing to suffer and to save us as lover of  mankind.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

As there is no boldness in us because of the multitude of our sins, do thou, O Virgin Mother of God, intercede with him who wast born of thee, for the prayer of his Mother has great power to win the favour of the Master. Despise not the prayers of sinners, O Most holy Lady, for he is merciful and strong to save and didst deign to suffer for us.

Antiphon 9  Tone 3

They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, on whom the children of Israel had set a price. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Therefore watch!

They gave me gall to eat, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. But do Thou raise me up, O Lord, and I shall grant them their reward.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

We of the Gentiles sing of thee, O pure Mother of God, for thou hast borne Christ our God, who through thee hast set free mankind from the curse.

Kathisma Tone 8

O how could Judas, who was once thy disciple, plot to betray thee! The treacherous and unjust deceitfully ate with thee and then went to the priests and said: What will ye give me, and I will deliver to you him who broke the Law and defiled the Sabbath? O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.

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. John.

DEACON: Let us give heed.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST:

Fourth Gospel

John 18:28-19:16

At that time, they led Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified.

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

Antiphon 10 Tone 6

He who covers himself with light as with a garment, stood naked at the judgement, and on his cheek he received blows from the hands which he had formed. The lawless people nailed to the Cross the Lord of Glory. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain and the sun was darkened, unable to bear the sight of such atrocity done to God, before whom all things tremble. Him let us worship.

The disciple denied thee and the thief cried aloud: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

Grant peace to the world, O Lord, who for the sake of thy servants didst deign to put on flesh from the Virgin, that with one accord we may glorify Thee, O Lover of mankind.

Antiphon 11 Tone 6

In return for the blessings which thou hast granted the Hebrew race, O Christ, they condemned thee to be crucified, giving thee vinegar and gall to drink. But render unto them, O Lord, according to their works, for they have not understood thy condescension.

The Hebrew race was not satisfied with thy betrayal, O Christ, but they wagged their heads, and reviled and mocked thee. But render unto them, O Lord, according to their works, for they meditated vain things against thee.

Neither the quaking of the earth, nor the splitting of the rocks, nor the rending of the veil of the temple, nor the resurrection of the dead persuaded the Jews. But render unto them, O Lord, according to their works, for they meditated vain things against Thee.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

We have come to know God through thee, O Virgin Mother of God, for he took flesh from thee: therefore, without ceasing we hymn and magnify thee who alone art pure and alone art blessed.

Antiphon 12 Tone 8

Thus saith the Lord to the Jews: O my people, what have I done unto thee, or wherein have I wearied thee? I gave light to thy blind and cleansed thy lepers, I raised up the man who lay upon his bed. O my people, what have I done unto thee, and how hast thou repaid me? Instead of manna thou hast given me gall, instead of water vinegar; instead of loving me, thou hast nailed me to the Cross. I can endure no more. I shall call my Gentiles and they shall glorify me with the Father and the Spirit; and I shall bestow on them eternal life.

Today the veil of the temple is rent in twain, as a reproof against the transgressors; and the sun hides its own rays, seeing the Master crucified.

O lawgivers of Israel, ye Jews and Pharisees, the company of the apostles cries aloud to you: Behold the Temple that ye have destroyed; behold the Lamb that ye have crucified. Ye gave him over to the tomb, but by his own power he has risen again. Be not deceived, ye Jews: for this is he who saved you in the sea and fed you in the wilderness. He is the Life and Light and Peace of the world.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

Hail! Gate of the King of Glory, through which the Most High alone has passed; and he left thee sealed again, for the salvation of our souls.

Kathisma Tone 8

When thou didst stand before Caiaphas, O God and wast delivered to Pilate, O Judge, the heavenly powers quaked with fear. Then wast thou raised upon the Cross between two thieves, and though sinless wast numbered with transgressors, for the salvation of mankind. O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.

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

Fifth Gospel

Matthew 27:3-32

At that time, when Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

Antiphon 13 Tone 6

The assembly of the Jews besought Pilate to crucify thee, O Lord. For though they found no guilt in thee, they released the liable Barabbas and condemned thee the Righteous; and so they incurred the guilt of murder. But give them, O Lord, their reward, for they meditated vain things against thee.

He before whom all things quake and tremble, and whom every tongue gives praise, Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God, is struck on the face by the priests, and they give him gall to drink. Yet he didst deign to suffer all things, wishing to save us from our iniquities by his own blood, as the Lover of mankind.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

O Mother of God, who through a word in ways past speech didst give birth to thine own Creator, do thou beseech him that he might save our souls.

Antiphon 14 Tone 8

O Lord, thou hast taken as Thy companion the thief who had soiled his hands with blood: do thou also number us with him for thou art good and loving kind

Few the words that the thief uttered upon the Cross, but found great faith:   In an instance he was saved and opening the gates of Paradise was the first to enter in. O Lord, who didst accept his repentance, glory to Thee.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

Hail, for through the angel thou hast received the joy of the world! Hail, for thou didst give birth to thy Maker and thy Lord! Hail, for thou wast counted worthy to become Mother of Christ our God!

After the singing of the Theotokion there takes place, by the priest, the exit from the Sanctuary of the Cross and the Crucified Christ. The Priest accompanied by the Deacon or the Church Warden censing lifts the Crucified Christ chanting the following Antiphon “Today is hung upon the Cross…” slowing and solemnly. Exiting the Sanctuary by the North door, they proceed the whole length of the nave and then back to the centre. The Cross and the Crucified Christ is then placed on a stand and the Priest making three prostrations venerates it. Then in turn all the people. The Troparion “Today is hung upon the Cross…” is then chanted by both choirs.

Antiphon 15 Tone 6

Today is hung upon the Cross he who hung the earth upon the waters (3). He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns. He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery. He who in Jordan set Adam free receives blows upon His face. The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails. The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ (3). Show us also Thy glorious Resurrection.

 

Let us not keep festival as the Jews: for Christ our God and Passover is sacrificed for us. But let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement, and with sincerity entreat him: Arise, O Lord, and save us in thy love for mankind.

Thy Cross, O Lord, is life and resurrection to thy people; and putting all our trust in it, we sing to thee, our crucified God: Have mercy upon us.

Glory be… Now and for ever… Theotokion

Beholding thee hanging on the Cross, O Christ, she who gave birth to thee cried aloud: O my Son, what is this strange mystery that I behold? Nailed in the flesh, O Giver of Life, how dost thou die upon the Tree?

Kathisma Tone 4

Thou hast redeemed us from the curse of the Law by thy precious Blood: nailed to the Cross and pierced by the spear, thou hast poured forth immortality upon mankind. O our Saviour, glory be to Thee.

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. Mark.

DEACON: Let us give heed.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST

Sixth Gospel

Mark 15:16-32

At that time, the soldiers led Jesus away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. 

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

 We then chant the Beatitudes, with eight verses

Tone 4

In Thy Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

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

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

Through a tree Adam was estranged from Paradise, and through the tree of the Cross the thief made Paradise his home. For the one, by eating, transgressed the commandment of his Maker; but the other, crucified at thy side, confessed thee as the hidden God. Remember us also, Saviour, in thy Kingdom.

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

The lawless people bought the Maker of the Law from His disciple, and they led Him as a transgressor before the judgement seat of Pilate, crying Crucify Him, though it was he who gave them manna in the wilderness. But we, imitating the righteous thief, cry with faith: Remember us also, Saviour, in thy Kingdom.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

The murderers of God, the lawless nation of the Jews, cried to Pilate in their madness, saying, Crucify the innocent Christ; and they asked rather for Barabbas. But with the words of the good thief we cry to him: Remember us also, Saviour, in thy Kingdom.

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

Thy life-giving side, O Christ, flowing as a fountain from Eden, waters thy Church as a living Paradise. Then, dividing into the four branches of the Gospels, with its streams it waters the world, making glad the creation and teaching the nations to venerate thy Kingdom with faith.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

For my sake thou wast crucified, to become for me a fountain of forgiveness. Thy side was pierced, that thou mightest pour upon me streams of life. Thou wast transfixed with nails, that through the depth of thy sufferings I might know with certainty the height of thy power, and cry to Thee, O Christ the Giver of Life: O Saviour, glory to thy Cross and Passion.

Blessed arc they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

When Thou wast crucified, O Christ, all the creation saw and trembled. The foundations of the earth quaked in fear of thy power. The lights of heaven hid themselves and the veil of the temple was rent in twain, the mountains trembled and the rocks were split. With the faithful thief we cry: Remember us, O Saviour.

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

O Lord, on the Cross thou didst tear up the record of our sins and numbered among the departed, thou didst bind the tyrant of hell, delivering all men from the chains of death by thy Resurrection, through which we have been enlightened, O Lord and lover of mankind, and cry to thee: Remember us also, Saviour, in thy Kingdom.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.

Thou wast lifted up, O Lord, upon the Cross and hast destroyed the power of death, and as God thou hast blotted out the record of our sins that was against us. Grant to us also the repentance of the thief, O Christ our God who alone lovest mankind, for we worship thee with faith and cry to thee: Remember us also, Saviour, in thy Kingdom.

Glory be to the Father…

Let us the faithful pray with one accord that we may rightly glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one Godhead in three Persons, remaining unconfused, simple, undivided; whom no man can approach, and by whom we are delivered from the fire of punishment.

Now and for ever…

Theotokion

O Christ, we offer thee as intercessor thy Mother who without seed bore thee in the flesh and as a true Virgin remained inviolate after childbirth. O most merciful Master, ever grant forgiveness of their sins unto those who cry: Remember us also, Saviour, in thy Kingdom.

Prokhimenon Tone 4

They parted My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture. (3)

Verse: O God, my God, look upon me: why hast thou forsaken me?

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:

Seventh Gospel

Matthew 27:33-54

At that time, when the soldiers were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

Psalm 50 [51]

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Against Thee, Thee only have I sinned: and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and clear when Thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide 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 uphold me with Thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness. O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth Thy praise. For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou will not despise. Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion: build the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

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. Luke.

DEACON: Let us give heed.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST

Eighth Gospel

Luke 23:32-49

At that time, there were also two other, malefactors, led with Jesus to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

The Canon by Monk Kosmas

Ode 5 Tone 8

Before each Troparion we say:

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

I seek thee early in the morning, Word of God; who through thy compassion for fallen man didst without changing empty thyself, and impassively didst submit to thy Passion. Grant me thy peace, O Lover of mankind.

With washed feet, and being cleansed by their participation in the divine Mystery, thy servants now, O Christ, went up with thee from Zion to the great Mount of Olives, singing thy praises, O Lover of mankind.

Thou didst say: See that ye be not troubled, O my friends, for now the hour is come and I shall be taken and slain by the hands of transgressors. Ye shall all be scattered and shall forsake me, but those whom I shall gather will proclaim me as Lover of mankind.

Katavasia

I seek thee early in the morning, Word of God; who through thy compassion for fallen man didst without changing empty thyself, and impassively didst submit to thy Passion. Grant me thy peace, O Lover of mankind.

 

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 8

Come, and let us all sing the praises of him who was crucified for us. For Mary said, when she beheld him on the Tree: Though thou dost endure the Cross, yet thou art my Son and God.

Oikos

Seeing her own Lamb led to the slaughter, Mary followed him with the other women and in her grief she cried: Where dost thou go, my Child? For whom dost thou run so swiftly? Is there another wedding in Cana, and art thou hastening there, to turn their water into wine? Shall I go with thee, my Child, or shall I rather wait for thee? Speak some word to me, O Word; do not pass me by in silence, O thou who hast preserved me undefiled, for thou art my Son and God.

Synaxarion

On Holy and Great Friday we commemorate the Holy and saving and dreadful Passion of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ: the spittings, the scourging, the buffetings, the curses, the mocking, the purple robe, the reed, the sponge, the vinegar, the nails, the spear and above all the Cross and death which he willingly endured for our sakes. We also commemorate the confession of salvation on the Cross of the grateful thief who was crucified with him.

Verses for the Crucifixion

Thou art a living God, yet thou wast dead upon the Tree.

O naked corpse, and Word of the living God.

Verses for the grateful thief

The thief opened the locked gates of Eden,

He used as a key theRemember me.

Through thy marvellous and boundless compassion, O Christ our God, have mercy upon us. Amen.

Ode 8  The Eirmos

The holy Children brought mockery upon the idol of godly wickedness; and the lawless Sanhedrin raged and took vain counsel against Christ, purposing to kill him who holds life in the palm of his hand, whom the whole creation blesses and glorifies to all ages.

Shake now the sleep from your eyelids, thou didst say to the disciples, O Christ. Keep watch with prayer, that ye fall not into temptation. And thou, O Simon, most of all: for the trial is greater to the strong. Know me, Peter, for the whole creation blesses me and glorifies me to all ages.

No profane word shall ever pass my lips, O Master, Peter cried. Gladly will I die with thee, though all men shall deny thee. Neither flesh nor blood, but thy Father has revealed thee to me: whom the whole creation blesses and glorifies to all ages.

We bless the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Thou hast not fathomed the full depth of divine wisdom and knowledge, said the Lord. Thou, O man, hast not understood the abyss of my judgements. Therefore do not boast, for thou art flesh, and three times shalt thou deny me, whom the whole creation blesses and glorifies to all ages.

Now and for ever…

Thou dost protest, O Simon Peter, against the very thing that thou shalt shortly do, even as I have foretold. A maidservant shall suddenly approach and fill thee with fear, said the Lord. Yet, weeping bitterly, thou shalt find me merciful; whom the whole creation blesses and glorifies to all ages.

We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord.

Katavasia

The holy Children brought mockery upon the idol of godly wickedness; and the lawless Sanhedrin raged and took vain counsel against Christ, purposing to kill him who holds life in the palm of his hand, whom the whole creation blesses and glorifies to all ages.

DEACON

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

Ode 9  The Eirmos

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.

The destructive band of evil men, despised of God, the synagogue of the murderers of God, drew near to thee, O Christ, and as a malefactor they led thee away, thou who art the Creator of all, whom we magnify.

Ignorant of the Law and the voice of the Prophets, the impious people, studying in vain and to no purpose, unjustly led thee, the Master of all, as a lamb to the slaughter, whom we magnify.

Moved by jealous wickedness, the priests and scribes delivered him, who is by nature Life and Life-giver, to the Gentiles to be put to death. Him whom we magnify.

Like many dogs they compassed thee, O King, and smote thee on the cheek; they questioned thee and bore false witness against thee. And enduring all things thou hast save us all.

Katavasia

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.

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

Thou hast this day, O Lord, accounted the thief worthy of Paradise. Do thou also by the wood of the Cross enlighten me and save me. (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. John.

DEACON: Let us give heed.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST

Ninth Gospel

John 19:25-37

At that time, there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

At the Praises (Lauds)

The following Stichera

Tone 3

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.

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

Israel, my first-born Son, has committed two evils: he has forsaken me, the fountain of the water of life, and dug for himself a broken well. Upon the Cross has he crucified me, but asked for Barabbas and let him go. Heaven at this was amazed and the sun hid its rays; yet thou, O Israel, wast not ashamed, but hast delivered me to death. Forgive them, Holy Father, for they do not know what they have done.

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

Israel, my first-born Son, has committed two evils: he has forsaken me, the fountain of the water of life, and dug for himself a broken cistern. Upon the Cross has he crucified me, but asked for Barabbas and let him go. Heaven at this was amazed and the sun hid:

its rays; yet thou, O Israel, wast not ashamed, but hast delivered me to death. Forgive them, Holy Father, for they do not know what they have done.

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

Every member of thy holy body endured dishonour for our sakes: thy head the thorns: thy face the spitting; thy cheeks the buffeting; thy mouth the taste of gall mingled with vinegar; thine ears the impious blasphemies; thy back, the scourging and thy hand the reed; thy whole body, the stretching on the Cross; thy limbs the nails; and thy side the spear. O thou who didst suffer for us and by thy Passion didst set us free from passions; who in thy love for mankind didst in self-abasement stooped down to us and raise us up: O Almighty Saviour, have mercy on us.

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

Seeing thee crucified, O Christ, the whole creation trembled. The foundations of the earth shook with fear at thy power. For when thou wast raised up today, the people of the Hebrews was destroyed. The veil of the temple was rent in twain, the graves were opened, and the dead rose from the tombs. When the centurion saw the wonder, he was filled with dread. And thy Mother, standing by thee, cried with a mother’s lamentation: How shall I not lament and strike my breast, seeing thee stripped naked and hung upon the wood as one condemned?’ O Thou, O Lord who wast crucified and buried, risen from the dead, glory to Thee.

Glory be to the Father…

Tone 6

They stripped me of my garments and clothed me in a scarlet robe; they set upon my head a crown of thorns and in my right hand placed a reed, that I may break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

Now and for ever…

I gave my back to scourging; I did not turn away my face from spitting; I stood before the judgment seat of Pilate, and endured the Cross for the salvation of the world.

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. Mark.

DEACON: Let us give heed.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST

Tenth Gospel

Mark 15:43-47

At that time, Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

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.

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. John.

DEACON: Let us give heed.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST

Eleventh Gospel

John 19:38-42

At that time, And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

Aposticha:

Tone 1

The whole creation was changed by fear, when it saw thee, Christ, hanging on the Cross. The sun was darkened and the foundations of the earth were shaken; all things suffered with the Creator of all. O thou, O Lord, who for us didst willingly endure, glory to thee.

Verse: They parted My garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

Tone 2

Why does the impious and lawless people imagine vain things? Why have they condemned to death the Life of all? O mighty wonder! The Creator of the world is delivered into the hands of lawless men, and the lover of mankind is raised upon the Cross, that he may free from Hades, those held captive, who cry: O longsuffering Lord, glory to thee.

Verse: They gave Me gall to eat: and in my thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.

Today the most pure Virgin saw thee hanging on the Cross, O Word; and with a mother’s love she wept and bitterly her heart was wounded. She groaned in anguish from the depth of her soul, and in her grief she struck her face and tore her hair. And, beating her breast, she cried lamenting: Woe is me, my divine Child! Woe is me, thou Light of the world! Why dost thou vanish from my sight, O Lamb of God?’ Then the hosts of angels were seized with trembling, and said: O incomprehensible Lord, glory to thee.

Verse: God is our King before the ages: He has worked salvation in the midst of the earth.

Seeing thee hanging on the Cross, O Christ the Creator and God of all, she who without seed gave birth to thee bitterly cried: O my Son, where is the beauty of thy form? I cannot bear to look upon thee crucified unjustly. Therefore, make haste to arise, that I too may see thy Resurrection on the third day from the dead.

Glory be to the Father…

Tone 8

Lord, when thou didst ascend upon the Cross, fear and trembling seized all creation. Thou hast not suffered the earth to swallow those that crucified thee; but thou didst command Hades to render up its prisoners, for the regeneration of mortal men. Judge of the living and the dead, thou didst not come to bring death, but life. O Lover of mankind, glory to thee.

Now and for ever…

Already the unjust judges have dipped their pens in ink, and Jesus is sentenced and condemned to the Cross; the creation suffers, seeing the Lord crucified. O thou good Lord, who in thy bodily nature didst suffer for my sake, glory to thee.

PRIEST

That we may be accounted worthy to hear the Holy Gospel, let us beseech the Lord our God.

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison (3)

PRIEST: Wisdom. Stand steadfast. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Peace unto all.

CHOIR: And unto thy spirit.

DEACON: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.

PRIEST: Let us give heed.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

DEACON

Twelfth Gospel

Matthew 27:62-66

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

CHOIR: Glory to thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory be to thee.

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.

Apolytikion Tone 4

Thou hast redeemed us by Thy precious blood from the curse of the law: being nailed to the Cross and pierced with the spear, Thou art become for men the fount of immortal life: our Saviour, glory to Thee. 

DEACON

Have mercy upon us, O God, after Thy great goodness. We pray Thee, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison (3). [And after each petition]

 

Again we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Father and 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.

DEACON: Wisdom.

PRIEST

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

May He who endured spitting and scourging and blows, the Cross and death, for the salvation of the world, 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.