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ON HOLY AND GREAT TUESDAY

VESPERS

The priest gives the blessing:

Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and always, and to ages of ages.

The appointed monk or the Superior reads the Opening Psalm as follows:

Amen. Come let us worship and fall down before the King, our God.
Come let us worship and fall down before Christ the King, our God.
Come let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, the King and our God.

Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, my soul! O Lord my God, you have been greatly magnified. You have clothed yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, wrapping yourself in light as in a cloak, stretching out the heavens like a curtain, roofing his upper chambers with waters, placing clouds as his mount, walking on the wings of the wind, making spirits his Angels and a flame of fire his Ministers, establishing the earth on its sure base; it will not be moved to age on age. The deep, like a cloak, is its mantle; waters will stand upon the mountains. At your rebuke they will flee; they will quail at the voice of your thunder. The mountains rise and the plains descend to the place which you established for them. You fixed a limit that they will not pass, nor will they return to cover the earth. You send out springs into the valleys; waters will run between the mountains. They will give drink to all the beasts of the field; the wild asses will await them to quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the air will make their dwelling: and sing among the rocks. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth will be filled from the fruit of your works. He makes grass spring up for the cattle, and green herb for the service of mankind; to bring food out of the earth, and wine makes glad the human heart; to make the face cheerful with oil, and bread strengthens the human heart. The trees of the plain will be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that you planted. There the sparrows will build their nests; the heron’s dwelling is at their head. The high mountains are for the deer; rocks a refuge for hares. He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knew the hour of its setting. You appointed darkness, and it was night, in which all the beasts of the forest will prowl; young lions roaring to plunder and to seek their food from God. The sun rose and they were gathered together and they will lie down in their dens. Man will go out to his labour; and to his labouring until evening. How your works have been magnified, O Lord. With wisdom you have made them all, and the earth has been filled with your creation. Also this great, wide sea; there there are creeping things without number, living creatures small and great. There ships go to and fro; this dragon which you fashioned to sport in it. All things look to you to give them their food in due season. When you give it them, they will gather it. When you open your hand all things will be filled with goodness. But when you turn away your face they will be troubled. You will take away their spirit, and they will perish and return to their dust. You will send forth your spirit, and they will be created, and you will renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the Lord endure to the ages. The Lord will rejoice at his works. He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble. He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord while I live; I will praise my God while I exist. May my words be pleasing to him. While as for me, I shall rejoice in the Lord. O that sinners might perish from the earth, and the wicked, so that they are no more. Bless the Lord, my soul!

And again

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to you, O God. (x3)

Priest: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy. And so after each petition.

Priest: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Archbishop N., for the honoured order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
[For our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, her Government, and all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
For our father and superior, Priest-monk N., and all our brotherhood in Christ, let us pray to the Lord.]
For this city, for every city, town and village, and for the faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord.
For favourable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who travel by land, air or water, for the sick, the suffering, for those in captivity, and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.
Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

People: To you, O Lord.

Priest: For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

After the Litany, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is read by one Reader.

KATHISMA EIGHTEEN
Psalm 119
A Song of Ascents.

When I was afflicted I called to the Lord, and he heard me. O Lord, deliver my soul from unjust lips and from a deceitful tongue. What should be given you, what added to you for a treacherous tongue? The sharpened arrows of the powerful, with the coals of desolation. Alas! For my sojourning has been prolonged, I have camped among the encampments of Kedar. My soul has long been a sojourner. With those who hate peace I was peaceable. When I spoke with them, they made war on me for nothing.

I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains. From where will my help come? My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Do not let your foot waver. May the One who guards you not slumber. See, the One who guards Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord will guard you; the Lord is protection for you on your right hand. By day the sun will not scorch you, nor the moon by night. The Lord will guard you from every evil, the Lord will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your coming in, and your going out, from now and for ever more.

I rejoiced at those who said to me, ‘We shall go to the house of the Lord’. Our feet were standing in your courts, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem built as a city, shared by all together. For there the tribes went up, the tribes of the Lord, a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. For there thrones were set for judgement, thrones over the house of David. Ask then for the things which are for Jerusalem’s peace, and prosperity for those who love you. May there be peace then in your power and prosperity in your citadels. For the sake of my brethren and neighbours, I have spoken peace concerning you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for you.

I have lifted my eyes to you who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to their lords’ hands, as the eyes of a maid to her mistress’s hands, so do our eyes to the Lord our God, until he take pity on us. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have had our fill of contempt, our soul has been filled to overflowing. Let reproach be for the prosperous, and contempt for the proud.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to you, O God. (x3)

Lord, have mercy (x3). Glory. Both now.

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

People: Lord, have mercy. .

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

People: To you, O Lord.

Priest: For yours is the might, and yours the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Sion. One who dwells in Jerusalem will be shaken for ever. Mountains encircle her, and the Lord encircles his people from now and for ever. For the Lord will not leave the rod of sinners upon the heritage of the just, lest the just stretch out their hands in iniquities. Do good, Lord, to the good and to the upright in heart. But the Lord will drive away with those who work iniquity, those who turn aside to extortions. Peace upon Israel.

When the Lord turned back the captivity of Sion, we became like those who are comforted. Then our mouth was filled with joy, and our tongue with rejoicing. Then they will say among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things with them’. The Lord has done great things with us, we have become joyful. Turn back our captivity, O Lord, like streams in the south. Those who sow in tears, will reap in joy. They went, and as they went they wept, while they sowed their seed. But when they come, they will come in joy, carrying their sheaves.

If the Lord does not build the house, the builders have toiled for nothing. If the Lord does not guard the city, the guard has kept vigil for nothing. Your getting up at dawn is for nothing, your rising after sitting, you that eat the bread of sorrow, when he gives sleep to those he loves, see, sons are the Lord’s inheritance, the reward of the fruit of the womb. As arrows in the hand of a powerful man, so are the sons of the rejected. Blessed is one who satisfies his desire with them. They will not be shamed when they speak with their enemies in the gates.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the toils of your fruits. You are blest, and it will be well with you. Your wife like a luxuriant vine against the sides of your house; your sons like new olive shoots around your table. See, that is how one who fears the Lord will be blessed. The Lord bless you from Sion, and may you see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your life. And may you see your children’s children. Peace upon Israel.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to you, O God. (x3)

Lord, have mercy. (x3) Glory. Both now.

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

People: Lord, have mercy. .

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

People: To you, O Lord.

Priest: For you, O God, are good and love mankind and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Out of the depths I have cried to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If you note our iniquities, Lord, Lord, who will survive? Because forgiveness is with you. For your name’s sake I have waited for you, O Lord; my soul has waited for your word, my soul has hoped in the Lord. From the morning watch until night, from the morning watch, let Israel hope in the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy and with him abundant redemption; and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Lord, my heart has not been exalted, nor have my eyes become lofty, I have neither walked among great affairs, nor among marvels beyond me. If I had not been humble-minded, but exalted my soul, like a weaned child towards its mother, so you will requite my soul. Let Israel hope in the Lord, from now and for ever.

Lord remember David and all his meekness, how he swore to the Lord, made a vow to the God of Jacob, ‘I shall not enter the shelter of my house, climb into my bed, I shall not give sleep to my eyes, slumber to my eyelids and rest to my temples, until I find a place for the Lord, a shelter for the God of Jacob’. See, we heard of it in Ephrata, we found it in the woodland fields. We shall enter his tabernacles, we shall worship at the place where his feet have stood. Arise, Lord, into your rest, you and the ark of your sanctification. Your priests will clothe themselves with justice, and your holy ones will rejoice. For David, your servant’s sake, do not turn away the face of your Christ. The Lord has sworn truth to David, and he will not annul it, ‘From the fruit of your womb I shall place on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and these testimonies of mine which I shall teach them, their sons too will sit on your throne for ever. For the Lord has elected Sion, has chosen her as a dwelling for himself. ‘This is my resting-place for age on age. Here I shall dwell, for I have chosen her. Her door I shall bless abundantly, her poor I shall satisfy with bread. Her priests I shall clothe with salvation, and her holy ones will rejoice with great joy. There I shall make the horn of David flourish. I have prepared a lamp for my Christ. I shall clothe his enemies in shame, my sanctification will flower upon him’.

See how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together; like sweet ointment on the head, which runs down upon the beard, Aaron’s beard, which runs down to the hem of his garment; like the dew from Hermon, which runs down upon the mountains of Sion; for there the Lord has commanded the blessing: life for ever more.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to you, O God. (x3)

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

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

People: To you, O Lord.

Priest: For you are our God, a God of mercy and salvation, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and to ages of ages.

People: Amen.

We begin Lord, I have cried in Tone 1.

Psalm 140

[A] Lord, I have cried to you, hear me; hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried to you, hear me. Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to you. Hear me, O Lord.

[B] Let my prayer be directed like incense before you: the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord.

[A] Set a guard, O Lord, on my mouth: and a strong door about my lips.

[B] Do not incline my heart to evil words: to make excuses for my sins.

[A] With those who work iniquity: let me not unite with their elect.

[B] The just will chastise me with mercy and reprove me: but let not the oil of sinners anoint my head.

[A] For yet my prayer shall be in their pleasures: their judges have been swallowed up near the rock.

[B] They will hear my words for they are sweet: as a clod of earth is crushed upon the ground their bones have been scattered at the mouth of Hell.

[A] For my eyes look to you, O Lord, my Lord: I have hoped in you, do not take away my soul.

[B] Keep me from the snare that they have hidden for me: and from the traps of evil-doers.

[A] The sinners will fall into their own net: I am alone until I pass by.

Psalm 141
[B] With my voice I cried to the Lord: with my voice I entreated the Lord.

[A] I will pour out my entreaty before him: and tell him all my trouble.

[B] When my spirit was faint: you knew my path.

[A] In the way where I walked: they had hidden a snare for me.

[B] I looked to my right hand and saw: but there was none who knew me.

[A] Escape is gone from me: and there is none who seeks for my soul.

[B] I cried to you, Lord, I said, ‘You are my hope: my portion in the land of the living.’

[A] Give heed to my supplication: for I am brought very low.

[B] Deliver me from those who persecute me: for they are too strong for me.

For 10 verses. From the Triodion. We use those sung at Lauds, doubling the first four. [Modern Greek books often allow for only 6 verses, with none of the Stichera doubled]

10. Bring my soul out of prison: that I may confess your name.

Tone 1.

How shall I, the unworthy, enter among the splendours of your saints? For if I dare to enter the bridal chamber with them, my tunic accuses me, because it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be cast out bound by the angels; cleanse, Lord, the filth of my soul, and save me as you love mankind.

9. The just will await me: until you reward me.

How shall I, the unworthy, enter among the splendours of your saints? For if I dare to enter the bridal chamber with them, my tunic accuses me, because it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be cast out bound by the angels; cleanse, Lord, the filth of my soul, and save me as you love mankind.

8. Out of the depths I have cried to you, O Lord: Lord hear my voice.

Slumbering in sloth of soul, O Bridegroom Christ, I have not obtained a lamp burning with virtues, and I am likened to the foolish maidens as I wander at the moment for action; do not shut against me the bowels of your pity, Master, but shake off my dark sleep and bring me with the prudent virgins into your bridal chamber, where there is the sound of those who feast and who cry unceasingly: Lord, glory to you!

7. O let your ears be attentive: to the voice of my supplication.

Slumbering in sloth of soul, O Bridegroom Christ, I have not obtained a lamp burning with virtues, and I am likened to the foolish maidens as I wander at the moment for action; do not shut against me the bowels of your pity, Master, but shake off my dark sleep and bring me with the prudent virgins into your bridal chamber, where there is the sound of those who feast and who cry unceasingly: Lord, glory to you!

6. If you, Lord, should mark iniquities: Lord, who will stand? But there is forgiveness with you.

Tone 4.

Having heard, soul, the condemnation of the one who hid his talent, do not hide the word of God; proclaim his wonders, that multiplying the gift of grace you may enter the joy of your Lord.

5. For your name’s sake I have waited for you, O Lord: my soul has waited on your word: my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Having heard, soul, the condemnation of the one who hid his talent, do not hide the word of God; proclaim his wonders, that multiplying the gift of grace you may enter the joy of your Lord.

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

Come, believers, let us work eagerly for the Master; for he gives his servants wealth; let each of us, according to his measure, multiply the talent of grace; let one bring wisdom through good deeds; another perform the ministry of splendour; let a believer share the word with the uninitiated; and let another distribute his wealth to the poor; so let us multiply the deposit, and, as faithful stewards of grace, let us become worthy of the Master's joy; make us worthy of this, Christ God, as you love mankind.

3. For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him plentiful redemption: and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Come, believers, let us work eagerly for the Master; for he gives his servants wealth; let each of us, according to his measure, multiply the talent of grace; let one bring wisdom through good deeds; another perform the ministry of splendour; let a believer share the word with the uninitiated; and let another distribute his wealth to the poor; so let us multiply the deposit, and, as faithful stewards of grace, let us become worthy of the Master's joy; make us worthy of this, Christ God, as you love mankind.

2. Praise the Lord, all you nations: praise him all you peoples.

When you come in glory with the angelic Powers and take your seat, O Jesu, on the throne of judgement, do not separate me from you, good Shepherd; for you know the right hand ways, but those on the left are twisted; do not then destroy me, hardened in sin, with the goats, but numbering me with the sheep on the right save me, as you love mankind.

Psalm 116
1. For his mercy has been mighty towards us: and the truth of the Lord endures to the ages.

Glory. Both now. Tone 7.

See, my soul, the Master entrusts you with a talent; accept it with fear, gain interest for the giver by distributing it to beggars, and gain the Lord as friend; that you may stand on his right hand when he comes in glory, and hear his blest voice: Enter, servant, into the joy of your Lord. Make me, who have gone astray, worthy of this, O Saviour, because of your great mercy.

Priest: Wisdom. Stand upright!

We say
THE THANKSGIVING
AT THE LIGHTING OF THE LAMPS
An ancient poem, or, as some say, by the martyr Athenogenes.

O joyful light of the holy glory of the immortal, heavenly, holy, blessed Father, O Jesus Christ. Now that we have come to the setting of the sun and see the evening light, we sing the praise of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is right at all times to hymn you with holy voices, Son of God, giver of life: therefore the world glorifies you.

Priest: Evening

Reader:

Arise, Lord, to your rest: * you and the ark of your holiness.

Verse: Lord, remember David, and all his meekness.

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading is from Exodus.

Priest: Let us attend.

[2:5-10]

The daughter of Pharao came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying in the basket, and Pharao’s daughter took pity on him, ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said. Then his sister said to Pharao’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ Pharao’s daughter said to her, ‘Go.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharao’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharao’s daughter, and he took became a son to her. She named him Moses, ‘because,’ she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’.

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader:

See how good and pleasant it is * for brethren to dwell together.

Verse: Like sweet ointment that runs down upon the beard, Aaron’s beard.

Reader: Command!

Priest: Wisdom. Stand upright. The light of Christ shines for all.

Reader:

[1:13-22]

One day when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the eldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, ‘The oxen were ploughing and the she-asses were feeding beside them, and marauders fell on them and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ While he was still speaking, another messenger came to Job and said, ‘Fire fell from heaven onto the earth and burned up the sheep and the shepherds, and consumed them; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ While he was still speaking, another messenger came to Job and said, ‘The horsemen formed three columns, made a raid on the camels and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ While he was still speaking, another messenger came to Job and said, ‘Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came across the desert, struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on your children, and they are died; I alone have escaped to tell you.’ When he heard this Job arose, tore his clothes, shaved his head, and fell on the ground and worshipped the Lord. He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; as it seemed good to the Lord, so it has come to pass; blessed be the name of the Lord to the ages.’ In all this Job did not sin before the Lord, nor with his lips; nor did he charge God with folly.

Priest: Peace to you.

Reader: And to your spirit.

[Priest: Wisdom!]

Priest: Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

People: Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Priest [or Reader]: Lord, I have cried to you, hear me; give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to you.

People: Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Priest [or Reader]: Set a guard, O Lord, on my mouth; and a strong door about my lips.

People: Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Priest [or Reader]: Let not my heart incline to evil words; to make excuses for my sins.

People: Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

[Priest [or Reader]: Glory. Both now.

People: Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.]

Priest: Let my prayer be set forth as incense before you…

People: The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Priest: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace to all.

Reader: And to your Spirit.

Priest: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Reader: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you!

Priest: Let us attend.

[24:36-26:2]

The Lord said to his Disciples, ‘But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noë were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noë entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Watch therefore, for you do not know at what hour your Lord is coming. But know this: if the owner of the house had known at which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect him. Who then is the faithful and prudent slave, whom his lord has put in charge of his servants, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his lord will find doing this when he comes. Amen I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But if that wicked slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delayed,’ and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the lord of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. He will cut him in pieces and his portion will be with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten virgins took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were prudent, and five were foolish. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the prudent took oil in their flasks with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘See! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for us and for you; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Amen I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and handed over his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Lord, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave; you have been faithful in a few things, I will put you in charge of many; enter into the joy of your lord.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Lord, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave; you have been faithful in a few things, I will put you in charge of many; enter into the joy of your lord.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Lord, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his lord replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away from them. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the just will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you to drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when did we saw you sick or in prison and came to you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Amen I say to you, just as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not serve you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Amen I say to you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the just into eternal life.’ When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, ‘You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’

Reader: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you!

Priest: Let us all say, with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Lord almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy. Three times. And so after the remaining petitions.

Priest: Also we pray for our Archbishop N.
[Also we pray for our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the royal family, her government and all in authority.]
Also we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and forgiveness of sins for the servants of God, all devout and Orthodox Christians, those who dwell in or visit this city and parish, the wardens and members of this church and their families; [and for the servants of God N. & N. (Here he may name those for whom he has been asked to pray), and all who have asked for our prayers, unworthy though we are.]
Also we pray for the blessed and ever-remembered founders of this holy church, and for all our brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest before us, and who lie asleep here in the true faith; and for the Orthodox everywhere[, and for the servants of God N. & N. (Here he may name those for whom he has been asked to pray), and that they may be pardoned all their offences, both voluntary and involuntary].
Also we pray for those who bring offerings, those who care for the beauty of this holy and venerable house, for those who labour in its service, for those who sing, and for the people here present, who await your great and rich mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy. [Note, this last in Athonite custom is said only once.]

Priest: For you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Priest: Catechumens, pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy. (To each petition)

Priest: Believers, let us pray for the catechumens.
That the Lord will have mercy on them.
Instruct them in the word of truth.
Reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness.
Unite them to his Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Save them, have mercy on them, help them and keep them, O God, by your grace.
Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.

People: To you, O Lord.

Priest: (In a low voice)

Prayer for the Catechumens

(Aloud) That they also, with us, may glorify your all-honoured and majestic name, of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Priest: As many as are Catechumens, depart. Catechumens, depart. As many as are for Enlightenment, draw near. Those who are for Enlightenment pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy. (And so after the following petitions)

Priest: Believers, for our brethren who are preparing for holy Enlightenment, let us pray to the Lord.
That the Lord our God may give them strength and power.
Enlighten them with the light of knowledge and true religion.
Count them worthy in due time of the bath of rebirth, the forgiveness of sins and the garment of incorruption.
Give them rebirth through water and Spirit.
Grant them the perfection of the Faith.
Number them with his holy and chosen flock.
Save them, have mercy on them, help them and keep them, O God, by your grace.
Those for Enlightenment, bow your heads to the Lord.

People: To you, O Lord.

Prayer for those preparing for Enlightenment

(Aloud) For you are our enlightenment, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Priest: As many as are for Enlightenment, depart. Those who are for Enlightenment, depart. As many as are Catechumens, depart. None of the Catechumens. As many as are believers, again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us and keep us, O God, by your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Wisdom.

First Prayer of the Faithful.

(Aloud) For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always, and to ages of ages.

People: Amen.

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

People: Lord have mercy.

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us and keep us, O God, by your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Wisdom.

Second Prayer of the Faithful

(Aloud) According to the gift of your Christ, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Now the hosts of heaven invisibly worship with us; for see, the King of Glory enters. See, the perfected mystical sacrifice is being borne in.

After the Entrance, during which all prostrate with their faces to the ground:

With faith and love, let us draw near that we may become partakers of everlasting life. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Priest: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.

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

People: Grant this, O Lord.

Priest: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
Pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.
Things good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.
That we may live out the rest of our days in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
A Christian end to our life, painless, unashamed and peaceful, and a good defence before the dread judgement seat of Christ, let us ask.
Having asked for the unity of the faith and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ, our God.

[The Hieratikon from Simonos Petra gives the usual petition here:

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.]

People: To you, O Lord.

Priest: God of ineffable and unseen mysteries, with whom are the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge, who have revealed the service of this liturgy to us and through your great love for mankind placed us sinners to offer you gifts and sacrifices for our own sins and for those committed in ignorance by the people; do you yourself, invisible King, who do great and unfathomable things, things glorious and marvellous, which are without number, look upon us your unworthy servants, who stand at this your holy altar, as at your cherubic throne, on which, through these dread things here set forth, rests your only-begotten Son and our God. And , having freed us and your faithful people from all uncleanness, make holy the souls and bodies of us all with holiness that cannot be taken away, so that, partaking with a pure conscience, face unashamed and enlightened heart of these divine Holy Things and being given life by them, we may be united to your Christ himself, our true God, who said, ‘One who eats my flesh and rinks my blood abides in me and I in them’. So that, with your Word, Lord, abiding and dwelling in us, we may become temples of your all-holy and venerable Spirit, redeemed from every wile of the devil brought about by deed or word or in thought. And may we obtain the good things promised us with all your saints who have been well-pleasing to you from every age.

(Aloud) And count us worthy, Master, with boldness, and without condemnation, to dare to call upon you, the God of heaven, as Father, and to say

The Superior, or the designated monk:

Our Father in heaven, may your name be hallowed, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Priest (aloud): For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Priest: Peace to all.

People: And with your spirit.

Priest: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

People: To you, O Lord.

Priest: God, alone good and compassion ate, who dwell in the heights and look upon lowly things, with your compassionate eye look upon all your people and guard them and count us all worthy without condemnation to partake of these your life-giving mysteries. For to you we have bowed our heads, awaiting from you your rich mercy.

(Aloud) Through the grace and compassion and love towards mankind of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Priest: Let us attend.

Priest: The presanctified Holy Things for the holy.

People: One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Communion Chant:

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Priest: With fear of God, with faith and love, draw near.

People: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. The Lord is God and has appeared to us.

Priest: O God, save your people and bless your inheritance.

People: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall always be in my mouth. Taste the heavenly Bread and the Cup of life, and see that the Lord is good. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Priest: Now and for ever and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen. [Or, according to Athonite use: Amen. Amen. Amen. For forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.]
Let our mouth be filled with your praise, O Lord, that we may sing your glory, for you have allowed us to share in your holy mysteries. Keep us in your holiness, as we meditate on your justice all the day long. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Priest: Stand upright. Having received the divine, holy, spotless, immortal, heavenly and life-giving dread Mysteries of Christ, let us give worthy thanks to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy. [Or, according to Athonite use: Glory to you, O God, glory to you.]

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us and keep us, O God, by your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Having asked that the whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

People: To you, O Lord.

Priest: We give thanks to you God, the Saviour of all things, for all the good things that you have granted us and for the communion of the holy Body and Blood of your Christ. And we pray you, Master, lover of mankind, guard us under the shelter of your wings and grant us to partake of your holy things until our last breath, for the enlightenment of soul and body, for inheritance of the Kingdom of heaven.

(Aloud) For you are our sanctification, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Priest: Let us go forth in peace.

People: In the name of the Lord.

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Master Almighty, who with wisdom fashioned all creation, who through your ineffable providence and great goodness have brought us to those most holy days for cleansing of souls and bodies, for mastery of passions, for hope of resurrection; who during forty days gave into the hand of your servant Moses the Tables in characters divinely traced, grant us too, O Good One, to fight the good fight, to complete the course of the fast, to keep the faith unchanged, to crush the head of invisible dragons, to be revealed a victors over sin, and without condemnation to attain to the worship of the holy Resurrection.

For blessed and glorified is your all-honoured and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

After the prayer behind the Ambo:

Blessed be the name of Lord, from this time forth and for evermore. (Prostration)
Blessed be the name of Lord, from this time forth and for evermore. (Prostration)
Blessed be the name of Lord, from this time forth and for evermore. (Prostration)

Glory. Both now.

Priest (in front of the Prothesis):

Lord, our God, who have brought to these most holy days and made us partakers of your dread Mysteries, join us to your rational flock and declare us heirs of your Kingdom, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 33
I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall always be in my mouth. In the Lord my soul will be praised; let the meek hear it and rejoice. Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord and he heard me, and he delivered me from all my afflictions. Draw near to him and be enlightened, and your faces shall not be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him from all his afflictions. The angel of the Lord will encamp round those who fear him, and deliver them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed the man who hopes in him! Fear the Lord, all you his saints, for there is not want for those who fear him. The rich became have become poor and gone hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not be deprived of any good. Come, my children, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is there who wants life, who loves to see good days? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking guile. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the just, and his ears towards their supplication. The Lord sets his face against those who do evil, to destroy their memory from the earth. The just cried and the Lord heard them, and delivered them from all their afflictions. The Lord is close to those who are broken-hearted, and he will save the humble in spirit. The afflictions of the just are many, but the Lord will deliver them from them all. The Lord guards all their bones; not one of them will be broken. The death of sinners is evil. Those who hate the just will go astray. The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants, and none who hope in him will go astray.

[Psalm 144
I will exalt you, my God, my King; and I will bless your name for ever and to age on age. Every day I will bless you; and praise your name for ever and to age on age. The Lord is great and highly to be praised; and there is no limit to his greatness. Generation after generation will praise your works; and will declare your power. They will tell of the majesty of the glory of your holiness; and will recount your wonders. They will speak of the power of your dread deeds; and will recount your greatness. They will proclaim the memory of the multitude of your goodness; and rejoice in your justice. The Lord is compassionate and merciful; long-suffering and full of mercy. The Lord is good to all; and his acts of compassion are for all his works. May all your works confess you, Lord; and all your holy ones bless you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; and tell of your power. To make known your power and of the glory the majesty of your kingdom to the children of mankind. Your kingdom is a kingdom for all the ages, and your dominion for every generation. The Lord is faithful in all his words, and holy in all his works. The Lord supports all who are falling, and sets upright all who are broken down. The eyes of all hope in you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand, and fill every living thing with your good pleasure. The Lord is just in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The Lord is close to those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He will do the will of those who fear him, and hear their supplication and save them. The Lord guards all who love him, and all sinners he will destroy. My mouth will tell the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and to age on age.

Psalm 144 forms part of the Grace before Meals in monasteries, and strictly therefore it should only be read if the meal follows immediately.]

Priest: The blessing of the Lord be upon you, by his grace and love for mankind, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Reader: Amen.

Priest: Glory to you, Christ God, our hope, glory to you.

Reader: Glory. Both now. Lord, have mercy (x3). Holy Master, give the blessing.

Priest: May he who comes to his voluntary passion, Christ our true God, through the prayers of his all-pure and holy Mother, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, through the protection of the honoured, Bodiless Powers of heaven, through the intercessions of the honoured, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, of the holy, glorious and triumphant Martyrs, of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers and Mothers who have shone forth in the ascetic life, of our Father among the Saints Gregory Dialogist, Pope of Rome, of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, [of Saint N. (to whom the Church is dedicated), of Saint N., whose memory we keep today,] and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

People: Amen.

Tone 3.

Glory. Tone 8. To you my Champion.

Both now. Theotokion.

At the prayers of all your Saints and of the Mother of God, grant us your peace, Lord, and have mercy on us, for you alone love humankind.

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Archimandrite Ephrem ©

This page was last updated on 18 April 2008