Palm Sunday

SUNDAY 12 APRIL 2020 

Sunday of Palms

Confessor and Bishop Basil of Párion C8 

ORTHROS - УТРЕНЯ - MATINS

Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and to ages of ages.  Amen.

Triságion Prayers - Трисвятое

Reader: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Святы́й Бо́же, Святы́й Крепкий, Святы́й Безсмертный, помилуй нас!

Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, Ἅγιος ἰσχυρός, Ἅγιος ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages.  Amen

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our offences. O Holy One, visit and heal our weakness, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy.  (x3)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages.  Amen.

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

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

R: O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries and preserve your commonwealth by virtue of your cross.

Glory:

O Christ our God, since you were willingly raised on the cross, grant mercies to your new community which is called by your name. Establish our faithful rulers with your power and grant them victories over their enemies. May your help be a weapon of peace and an invincible trophy.

Both now:

O fearful Champion, you cannot be put to confusion, so do not despise our prayers. O Good Lady, all-praised Theotokos, make firm Orthodox government, save those whom you have called to rule over us and grant them heavenly victory, for you alone are blessed who gave birth to God.

Short Litany of Fervent Supplication – Кратка сугуба ектения

Deacon: O God, have mercy on us in your great mercy. We plead with you, “Listen and have mercy.” Lord have mercy (x3).

² Again we pray for faithful and Orthodox Christians.

³ Again we pray for our father and Archbishop (N) and for all our brotherhood in Christ.

⁴ For you are a merciful God who loves the human race, and we send up glory to you, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and to the ages of ages.  Amen.

R: In the name of the Lord, bless, Father.

P: Glory to the holy, consubstantial, life-creating and undivided Trinity, always, now and ever and to ages of ages.  Amen.

The priest reads the first six morning prayers during the recitation of Psalms 3, 62 and 37 in the altar, and the second six prayers during the recitation of Psalms 102, 87 and 142, in front of the Royal Doors.

Exápsalmos – Шестопсалмие

R: Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to men of good will.  (x3)

O Lord, you will open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise.   _{Ps 50} (x2)

Psalm 3

O Lord, why have those who trouble me increased? Many rise against me. ³ Many say about my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. ⁴ But you, O Lord, are my helper, my glory and the one who raises my head. ⁵ I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me from his holy mountain. ⁶ I laid down and slept; I woke up, for the Lord will help me. ⁷ I will not fear countless people, who ambush me on every side. ⁸ O Lord, rise! O my God, save me, for you have struck down all my powerless enemies; you have broken the teeth of sinners. ⁹ Salvation comes from the Lord, and your blessing is on your people.

And again

⁶ I laid down and slept; I woke up, for the Lord will help me.

Psalm 37

² O Lord, do not rebuke me in your fury, or discipline me in your anger. ³ For your arrows are fixed in me, and you have pressed your hand on me. ⁴ There is no health in my flesh because of your anger, and no peace in my bones because of my sins. ⁵ For my lawless deeds have risen higher than my head, and pressed me down like a heavy burden. ⁶ My bruises have festered and mouldered, because of my foolishness. ⁷ I was distressed and always bent down; I went about with a sad face all through the day. ⁸ For my loins were filled with festering, and there is no health in my flesh. ⁹ I was distressed and deeply humbled; I have roared with the sighing of my heart. ¹⁰ O Lord, all my longing is before you, and my groaning is not hidden from you. ¹¹ My heart was troubled, my strength failed me, and even the light of my eyes is not with me. ¹² My friends and neighbours came and stood opposite me; my relatives stood far away. ¹³ Those who searched for my soul used violence; those who sought evil for me spoke empty words, and considered treachery all through the day. ¹⁴ I was like a deaf person and did not hear; I was like a mute who did not open his mouth. ¹⁵ I became like someone who cannot hear, and has no answers in his mouth. ¹⁶ O Lord, I have hoped in you; O Lord my God, you will listen to me. ¹⁷ For I said: Never let my enemies rejoice over me; when my feet slipped, they spoke boastfully against me. ¹⁸ For I am ready for scourges, and my grief is always before me. ¹⁹ For I will speak about my lawlessness, and be anxious about my sin. ²⁰ My enemies live and are stronger than I; those who hate me unjustly have increased. ²¹ Those who repay me with evil for good slandered me, because I pursued goodness. ²² O Lord, do not forsake me; O my God do not stand far from me. O Lord of my salvation, attend to my help.

And again

²² O Lord, do not forsake me; O my God do not stand far from me. O Lord of my salvation, attend to my help.

Psalm 62

^1b  O God my God, I rise early for you, my soul has thirsted for you. How often has my flesh longed for you in a trackless and waterless desert land. ³ Therefore I have appeared before you in the holy place, to see your power and glory. ⁴ For your mercy is better than life; my lips will praise you. ⁵ Therefore I will bless you throughout my life, and raise my hands at your name. ⁶ My soul will be filled as though with marrow and rich food; my mouth will praise you with joyful lips. ⁷ When I remembered you on my bed, I thought about you at dawn. ⁸ For you have become my help, and I will rejoice in the shelter of your wings. ⁹ My soul has clung to you; your right hand has upheld me. ¹⁰ They have sought my soul in vain, and will go into the depths of the earth. ¹¹ They will be handed over to the power of the sword, and be portions for foxes. ¹² But the king will rejoice in God, and everyone swearing by him will be praised, for the mouth preaching injustice has been closed.

And again

^7b I thought about you at dawn, for you have become my help, and I will rejoice in the shelter of your wings. ⁹ My soul has clung to you; your right hand has upheld me.

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)

Lord have mercy.  (x3)

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

Psalm 87

² O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried before you by day and night. ³ Let my prayer come before you, and bend your ear to my plea. ⁴ For my soul was filled with evil, and my life has approached Hades. ⁵ I have been counted with those who go down to a pit, and become like someone helpless, free among the dead, ⁶ like the wounded sleeping in the grave, whom you have no longer remembered; they have been cut off from your hand. ⁷They laid me in the lowest pit, in dark places and in the shadow of death. ⁸Your fury has pressed me down, and you have brought all your waves against me. ⁹You have distanced my companions from me; they have made me a horror for themselves; I have been handed over and could not escape. ¹⁰My eyes have grown weak with poverty; O Lord, I have cried to you all through the day, and stretched out my hands towards you. ¹¹Will you perform wonders for the dead, or will physicians raise them so that they can thank you? ¹² Will anyone in the grave recount your mercy, or speak about your truth in destruction? ¹³Will your wonders be known in darkness, or your justice in a forgotten land? ¹⁴But I have cried to you, O Lord, and my prayer will come before you in the morning. ¹⁵O Lord, why do you reject my soul, and turn your face from me? ¹⁶I am destitute and in troubles from my youth; after being exalted, I was humbled and distressed. ¹⁷Your anger has swept over me, and your terrors have troubled me. ¹⁸They have surrounded me like water; all through the day they have completely encircled me. ¹⁹ You have distanced friend and neighbour from me, as also my acquaintances because of my misery.

And again

² O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried before you by day and night.

³ Let my prayer come before you, and bend your ear to my plea.

Psalm 102

^1b Bless the Lord, O my soul, and everything within me bless his holy name. ² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his rewards. ³ He is merciful towards all your offences and heals all your diseases. ⁴ He frees your life from corruption; he crowns you with mercy and pity. ⁵ He satisfies your desire with good things; your youth is renewed like an eagle's. ⁶ The Lord brings about merciful deeds, and judgement for all who are wronged. ⁷ He has made his ways known to Moses; his wishes to the sons of Israel. ⁸ The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of pity. ⁹ He will not always be angry, nor will he be furious for ever. ¹⁰ He has not dealt with us for our offences, or repaid us for our sins. ¹¹ For as high as the heaven is above the earth, so has the Lord strengthened his mercy on those who fear him. ¹² As far as the east is from the west, so has he distanced our offences from us. ¹³ As a father has compassion on his sons, so has the Lord pitied those who fear him. ¹⁴ For he knows how we are made, and has remembered that we are dust. ¹⁵ As for man, his days are like grass; he will bloom like a flower of the field. ¹⁶ For a wind passes over him and he will not exist; he will no longer know his place. ¹⁷ But the Lord's mercy is from age to age for those who fear him. ¹⁸ His justice is for the sons of sons, for those who keep his covenant, and remember to do his commandments. ¹⁹ The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. ²⁰ Bless the Lord, all his angels, champions in strength who do his word, and listen to the sound of his speech. ²¹ Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers who do his will. ²² Bless the Lord, all his works, in every place of his sovereignty; bless the Lord, O my soul.

And again

In every place of his sovereignty; bless the Lord, O my soul.

Psalm 142

^1b O Lord, listen to my prayer, note my plea in your truth, and listen to me in your justice. ² Do not enter not into judgement with your servant, for no one living will be justified in your sight. ³ For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has humbled my life to the ground, and placed me in darkness like those long dead. ⁴ My spirit within me has become weary, and my heart within me is troubled. ⁵ I remembered days of old, mused on all your works, and thought about the works of your hands. ⁶ I stretched out my hands to you; my soul was like a waterless land for you. ⁷ O Lord, quickly listen to me, my spirit has fainted. ^7b Do not turn your face from me, in case I become like those who go down to a pit. ⁸ Make me listen to your mercy in the morning, for I have hoped in you. ^8c O Lord, teach me the way along which I should walk, for I have raised my soul to you. ⁹ O Lord, rescue me from my enemies, for I have fled to you for refuge. ¹⁰ Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; your good Spirit will guide me on level ground. ¹¹ O Lord, you will give me life for your name's sake, and bring my soul out of distress in your justice. ¹² You will destroy my enemies in your mercy, and cut off all who trouble my soul, for I am your servant.

And again

^1d O Lord, listen to me in your justice. Do not enter not into judgement with your servant, for no one living will be justified in your sight.

Glory: Both now:

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

O our God and our hope, glory to you!

Eiriniká – Велика ектения (мирна)

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord, Lord, have mercy.

² For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord!

³ 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!

⁴ For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord!

⁵ For all faithful and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord!

⁶ For our Archbishop N, for the honourable order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord!

⁷ For our rulers and nations, and for every power and authority in them, let us pray to the Lord!

⁸ For this town [city/village/monastery], for every city, monastery, island and village and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord!

⁹ For favourable weather, an abundance of the earth’s fruits and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord!

¹⁰ For those who travel by land, air or water, for the sick and suffering, for those in captivity and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord!

¹¹ For our release from every affliction, fury, danger and anguish, let us pray to the Lord!

¹² O God, help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us by your grace!

¹³ As we commemorate our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God!  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.  Amen.

God is the Lord Ps 117 - Бог Господ

R: God is the Lord and has appeared to us. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Ps 117 

S1: Thank the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy lasts for ever. 

S2: All the nations surrounded me, but I opposed them in the Lord’s name. 

S3: This is the Lord's doing and it is wonderful in our eyes. 

Tone 1

Apolytíkia - Тропари

of Lazarus resurrection - Общее воскресение

Tone 1

O Christ God, you confirmed the universal resurrection by raising Lazarus from the dead before your passion. O Vanquisher of Death, we cry out to you like the children with their palms of victory, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Tone 4 of Palm Sunday

O Christ God, when we were buried with you in baptism, we were made worthy of eternal life by your resurrection. Now we praise you and sing, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

Small Litany - Малка ектения

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

(Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

(Lord, have mercy.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

(To You, O Lord.)

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

Kathísma 1  Седален

Tone 4: Joseph marvelled

As we carry our branches in spirit, let us sing the praises of Christ with purified souls like the children. Let us cry out with a loud voice to the Master, “Blessed are you, O Saviour, for you have come to the world in order to save Adam from the ancient curse.” You were pleased to become the new Adam in spirit through your love for the human race. O Word, you have arranged everything for our good; glory to you!

Glory: Both now:

O Lord, you have raised from his tomb Lazarus, yet he was dead for four days. Then you taught us all to cry out to you with palms and branches, “Blessed are you, for you are coming!”

Tone 4

Kathísma 2 Седален

O Christ, you have cried mystically about your friend and have raised from the dead Lazarus who was lying without life. You have shown your loving pity for him in your love for the human race. Today, O Saviour, when a crowd of children had learnt about your coming, they went out. They carried palms in their hands and cried out to you, “Hosanna! You are blessed, for you have come to save the world.”

Glory: Both now: Tone 1

O peoples and nations, offer praise in unison, for the King of the angels now rides on a foal and comes to strike his enemies with the cross in his almighty power. Therefore the children who have palms in their hands sing to him, “Glory to you, for you have come as conqueror! Glory to you, O Christ the Saviour! Glory to you, our God, for you only are blessed!”

Polyeleos

Kathísma 3 Седален

Tone 8

The Lord who sits on the throne of the Cherubim, sits on a foal for us. He comes to his voluntary passion and today hears the children cry “Hosanna!” Meanwhile the crowd responds, “O Son of David, blessed Jesus, hurry to save those whom you have created, because you have come so that we may know your glory.” X2

Small Litany - Малка ектения

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

(Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

(Lord, have mercy.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

(To You, O Lord.)

P: For blessed is your name, and glorified is your kingdom, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen

Anaváthmi, The Hymns of Ascent, Ps 128 Tone 4 - От юности моея

1: Many passions have fought against me from my youth, but help me and save me, O my Saviour. X2 От юности моея мнози борют мя страсти, / но Сам мя заступи и спаси, Спасе мой.  

2: Those who hate Zion will be shamed by the Lord; they will be withered like grass by the fire. X2 Ненавидящии Сиона, посрамитеся от Господа, / яко трава бо огнем будете изсохше.  

Glory: 

3: Every soul lives through the Holy Spirit, is exalted in purity and illuminate by the Triune Unity in a sacred mystery. Слава Отцу и Сыну и Святому Духу, и ныне и присно и во веки веков. Аминь. / Святым Духом всяка душа живится, / и чистотою возвышается, /  светлеется Тройческим единством, священнотайне.

Both now: 

4: The streams of grace pour out through the Holy Spirit; they water all creation and produce life. (No Slavic version)

Prokeímenon Ps 8 Tone 4

R: You have perfected praise from the mouths of babies and infants because of your enemies to destroy the adversary and avenger.

S: O Lord our Lord, how wonderful is your name in all the earth!

Gospel Dialogue - Евангелски чин

P/D: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy
P: For you, O God, are holy and rest in the Holy Place. We send up glory to you, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 

R: Let everything with breath praise the Lord. X3 

Praise God in his saints; praise him in his mighty firmament. Ps 50
P/D: And that we may be counted worthy to listen to the Holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord our God. Lord have mercy X3
P/D: Wisdom. Stand up. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.
P: Peace be with you all. And with your spirit
P: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
P/D: Let us attend
R: Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you. 

P: Let us attend

Gospel

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (21:1-11, 15-17)

At that time they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Beth'phage, on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘see, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?” And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.” 

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant; and they said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, `Out of the mouth of babies and sucklings you have brought perfect praise'?” And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

R: Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

Psalm 50

(Plain reading)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy; and according to the multitude of your compassion, blot out my transgression. * Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. * For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. * Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done evil in your sight, that you may be found just when you speak, and victorious when you are judged. * For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me. * For behold, you have loved truth; you have made known to me the secret and hidden things of your wisdom. * You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. * Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. * Turn your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. * Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. * Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. * Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and establish me with your governing Spirit. * I shall teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to you. * Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall joyfully declare your righteousness. * Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. * For if you had desired sacrifice, I would give it; you do not delight in burnt offerings . * A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a humbled heart. * Do good in your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. * Then you shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. * Then they shall offer bulls on your altar.

Gory: Tone 2

Today Christ enters the Holy City and rides on the foal of an ass. He destroys the wicked and barren folly of the Gentiles.

Both now:

Repeat

S: Have mercy on me in your abundant mercy, and wipe out my offence through your great compassion: 

Tone 6

The grace of the Holy Spirit has assembled us today. As we take up your cross we sing, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Intercession 

Short form 

Deacon: O God, save your people and bless your inheritance. Visit your world with mercy and compassion; exalt the horn of Orthodox Christians and send down on them your rich mercy, through the prayers of our all-pure Lady, Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary, by the power of the honourable and life-giving cross, through the protection of the honourable bodiless powers of heaven, through the prayers of the honourable, glorious, prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, of the holy, glorious, all-praised apostles, of the holy, all-praised and victorious martyrs, of our holy and God-bearing fathers, of the holy and just forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, of of the holy Confessor and Bishop Basil of Párion, and of all the saints. We ask you, only merciful Lord, “Listen to us sinners as we pray to you, and have mercy on us.” 

Lord have mercy. X12 

Priest: Through the mercy, compassion and love for the human race of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with the all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 

Small Litany - Малка ектения

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

(Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

(Lord, have mercy.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

(To You, O Lord.)

P: For you are the King of Peace and Saviour of our souls, and we send up glory to you, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen 

Kontákion 

Read without note 

Tone 6

O Christ our God, you are seated on your throne in heaven, yet carried on a foal on earth. Accept the praise of angels and the songs of children who sing, “Blessed is the one who comes to recall Adam.”

Íkos 

You have bound Hades, slain death and raised the world. Therefore, O Christ, the children carry palms and praise you as victor. Today, O immortal Lord, they cry to you, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” No longer will little children be slain for Mary's Child. You are crucified for us all, both young and old. Your side is pierced with a spear and defeats the sword drawn against us. We cry aloud with great joy, “Blessed is the one who comes to recall Adam.”

Synaxárion

Today we remember our father among the saints, Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Párion, in the Eighth Century. He refused to destroy icons. As his body went down to the tomb on the Twelfth, his soul went to delights.

Together with him we remember: Hieromartyr Zíno of Veróna C3

Presvyter and Martyr Artémon of Syria C4 

Virgin Anthoúsa of Constantinople C9

Ypómnima - Memorandum - Бележка (from Triodion)

On the Sunday of Palms we celebrate the glorious and brilliant feast of the entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. The one who stretched out the Earth by his divine word, sits on a donkey in order to save the human race from bestiality. When the great crowd heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took palm branches into their hands and went to meet him. They cried, “Hosanna, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, who is the King of Israel.” The branches were a symbol of Christ’s victory over Satan and death. Therefore, O Christ, allow us to overcome our bestial passions, and make us worthy to see your brilliant triumph over death and your celebrated and life-giving resurrection. Have mercy on us. Amen.

Katavasías, Tone 1

1: The springs of the deep appeared as dry land. The depths of the raging sea were uncovered. You have rebuked the tempest and saved your chosen people who sang a song of victory to you.

3: The people of Israel drank from a hard and barren rock which became a flowing stream by your command. O Christ, this life-giving rock is none other than you on whom the Church is established. She cries out, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

4: Christ our God is coming and will not wait. He comes from the dark and shadowy mountain, from a maiden who has not known man. This has been foretold by the prophets of old. Therefore we sing, “Hosanna in the highest!”

5: O announcer of good news to Zion, climb a high mountain. O guards of Jerusalem, raise your voice and cry loudly, “O City of God, glorious things are spoken about you, Peace be to Israel and salvation to the Gentiles.”

6: The souls of the just sing for joy, for a new covenant is granted the world today. Let the peoples be renewed through sprinkling with divine blood.

7: You saved the children of Abraham from the fire. You destroyed the Chaldeans who unjustly preyed on the innocent. Blessed are you, O most praised Lord, God of our fathers!

8: Let us praise, bless and worship the Lord.

Rejoice, O Jerusalem! Celebrate, O lovers of Zion! The Lord of Hosts who rules the ages, has come. Let all the earth fall down before him and cry, “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord!”

The Magnificat is not sung

Canticle Nine

God is the Lord and has revealed himself to us. Celebrate the feast and come with gladness. Let us glorify Christ with palms and branches, singing, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Glory to you, our God, glory to you.

Why do you nations rage? Why do you priests and scribes imagine delusions, saying, “Who is this, whom children praise with palms and branches, crying, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord?’”

This is our God. There is none other like him. He established every just way and bestowed it on his dear Israel. After this, he appeared on earth and walked with men. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

You rebels, why have you placed stumbling blocks before us? Your feet hurry to shed the Master's blood, but he will rise again and save all those who cry to him, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

9: God is the Lord and has revealed himself to us. Celebrate the feast and come with gladness. Let us glorify Christ with palms and branches while we sing, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Small Litany - Малка ектения

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

(Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

(Lord, have mercy.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

(To You, O Lord.)

P: For all the powers of heaven praise you, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen 

Praises - Хвалитни стихири

Tone 4. Let everything with breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights. To you, O God, is due a song. 

Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his powers. To you, O God, is due a song. 

S6: Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him for the abundance of his majesty. S5: Praise him with the trumpet sound;

praise him with lute and harp.

O Lord, a great crowd spread their clothes on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and carried them. They cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes - and will come again - in the name of the Lord. X2

S5: Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with lute and harp.

O Lord, a great crowd spread their clothes on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and carried them. They cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes - and will come again - in the name of the Lord.

S4: Praise him with cymbal and dance; praise him with strings and flute.

O Lord, when you were about to enter the holy city, the crowd greeted you with palms and songs. They saw the Master of all riding on a colt, as though he were on the Cherubim. They cried, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes - and will come again - in the name of the Lord.”

S3: Praise him with tuneful cymbals; praise him with joyful cymbals. Let everything with breath praise the Lord. Ps 150

O Lord, when you were about to enter the holy city, the crowd greeted you with palms and songs. They saw the Master of all riding on a colt, as though he were on the Cherubim. They cried, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes - and will come again - in the name of the Lord.”

S2: You have refined praise from the mouths of babies and infants because of your enemies to destroy the adversary and avenger. Ps 8

Come out, all you nations! Come out, O peoples! See, the King of Heaven comes to Jerusalem; he sits on a humble colt as though on a throne. O unbelieving and adulterous generation, come and see the one whom Isaiah foretold. For our sake he has come in the flesh. He takes the new Zion, chaste and pure, as his bride. He will crush the evil council like a vessel of clay. See how the young and innocent children gather; they sing praises as though they were at a marriage feast. Let us join them in the angels' hymn, “Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes - and will come again - in the name of the Lord.

S1: O Lord our Lord,how wonderful is your name in all the earth! Ps 8

O Lord, you foretold the universal resurrection to all before your voluntary passion. In Bethany, by your almighty power, you raised Lazarus who was dead for four days. You gave sight to the blind, for you are the Giver of light. You have entered the Holy City with your disciples, seated on the colt of an ass, and have fulfilled the Scriptures. The children of the Hebrews met you with olive branches and palms. We follow their example and cry to you in gratitude, “Blessed is the one who comes, and will come again, in the name of the Lord.”

Glory: Both now: Tone 6

Jesus entered Bethany six days before the feast of Passover. His disciples asked him, “Where can we prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He answered, “When you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters. Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “I will eat the Passover here with my disciples.’”

Great Doxology 

Велико славословие

¹ Glory to you who have shown us the light! Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth and goodwill to men! ² We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we thank you for your great glory, ³ O Lord King, heavenly God, almighty Father, O Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and you, O Holy Spirit! ⁴ O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us, for you take away the sin of the world. ⁵ Receive our prayer, for you sit on the right of the Father, and have mercy on us. ⁶ For only you are holy, only you are Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father.  Amen. ⁷ I will bless you every day, and always praise your name for ever and ever. ⁸ O Lord, allow us this day to be guarded from sin. ⁹ Blessed are you, O Lord God of our fathers! Praised and glorified be your name for ever.  Amen. ¹⁰ O Lord, let your mercy be on us, for we have hoped in you. ¹⁶ Blessed are you, O Lord! Teach me your statutes.  X3 ¹² O Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: O Lord, have mercy on me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. ¹⁴ O Lord, I have fled to you; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. ¹⁵ For with you is the source of life, and in your light we will see light. ¹⁶ Stretch out your mercy to those who know you.

Triságion – Святий Боже

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Святы́й Бо́же, Святы́й Крепкий, Святы́й Безсмертный, помилуй нас!

Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, Ἅγιος ἰσχυρός, Ἅγιος ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

Dinamis: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Apolytíkion - Тропар

Tone 1, (once)

O Christ God, you confirmed the universal resurrection by raising Lazarus from the dead before your passion. O Vanquisher of Death, we cry out to you like the children with their palms of victory, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

HOLY LITURGY 

Antiphon 1 Ps 114 Tone 2

S1: I have loved, for the Lord will hear the voice of my plea.

R: At the prayers of the Theotokos, Saviour, save us.

S2: Pains of death have surrounded me, the perils of Hades have discovered me.

S3: I have found distress and grief; I called on the Lord’s name.

S4: I will be pleasing before the Lord in the land of the living.

S5: Glory: Both now:

Antiphon 2 Ps 115 Tone 2

S1: I believed and therefore I spoke, “I have been greatly humbled.”

R: Save us, O Son of God. You were seated on the foal of a donkey. We sing to you, “Alleluia!”

S2: What shall I give back to the Lord for everything that he has given me?

S3: I will take the cup of salvation and call on the Lord’s name.

S4: I will repay my vows to the Lord before all his people.

S5: Glory: Both now:

Monogenes - Единородний Сине

Only Begotten Son and Immortal Word of God, Who for our salvation didst will to be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, Who without change didst become man and wast crucified, O Christ our God, Trampling down death by death, Who art one of the Holy Trinity, Glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.

Antiphon 3 Ps 117 Tone 1

S1: Thank the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy lasts for ever.

R: O Christ God, you confirmed the universal resurrection by raising Lazarus from the dead before your passion. O Vanquisher of Death, we cry out to you like the children with their palms of victory, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

S2: Let the house of Israel now say that he is good, for his mercy lasts for ever.

S3: Let the house of Aaron now say that he is good, for his mercy lasts for ever.

S4: Let all who fear the Lord now say that he is good, for his mercy lasts for ever.

Entrance Ps 117

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord; God is the Lord, and has appeared to us; Save us, O Son of God. You were seated on the foal of a donkey. We sing to you, “Alleluia!”

Apolytíkia

Tone 1

O Christ God, you confirmed the universal resurrection by raising Lazarus from the dead before your passion. O Vanquisher of Death, we cry out to you like the children with their palms of victory, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Tone 4

O Christ God, when we were buried with you in baptism, we were made worthy of eternal life by your resurrection. Now we praise you and sing, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

Of the Bulgarian parish Of St. John of Rila, Tone 1 (Покаяния основание)

Your life was a foundation of repentance and a model of compunction, an image of consolation and spiritual perfection, equal to the angels, O venerable one. You persevered in prayer, fasting and tears, O Father John; intercede with Christ God for our souls.

Of the Church 

Ap. Andrew, Tone 4

As first of the Apostles to be called, O Andrew, brother of him (Peter) who was foremost, beseech the Master of all to grant the world peace and our souls great mercy.

Kontakion

Tone 6

O Christ our God, you were seated on the throne in heaven, but placed on a foal on earth. Accept the praise of angels and the songs of children who cry to you, “Blessed is the one who comes to recall Adam!”

Prokeimenon Ps 117 Tone 4

R: Blessed is the one who comes in the Lord’s name. 

S: Thank the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy lasts for ever.

Apóstolos

From the Letter of Paul to the Philippians (4:4-9)

Brothers, rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Alleluia Ps 97 Tone 1

R1: Sing to the Lord a new song.

S2: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Gospel

From the Holy Gospel according to St. John (12:1-18)

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realise that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him.

Communion

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Alleluia!

 VESPERS 

Hieromartyr Artѐmon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria

Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and for­ever and to the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Reader: Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Psalm 103 (104).

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are magnified exceedingly; You clothe Yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain; You are He who covers His upper chambers with water, who makes the clouds His means of approach, who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. He established the earth on its stable foundation; it shall not be moved unto ages of ages. The deep like a garment is His covering; the waters shall stand upon the mountains; at Your rebuke they shall flee; at the sound of Your thunder, they shall be afraid. The mountains rise up, and the plains sink down to the place You founded for them. You set a boundary they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth. You are He who sends springs into the valley; the waters shall pass between the mountains; they shall give drink to all the wild animals of the field; the wild asses shall quench their thirst; the birds of heaven shall dwell beside them; they shall sing from the midst of the rocks. You are He who waters the mountains from His higher places; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You are He who causes grass to grow for the cattle, and the green plant for the service of man, to bring forth bread from the earth; and wine gladdens the heart of man, to brighten his face with oil; and bread strengthens man's heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of fruit, the cedars of Lebanon, which You planted; there the sparrows shall make their nests; the house of the heron takes the lead among them. The high mountains are for the deer; the cliff is a refuge for the rabbits. He made the moon for seasons; the sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night, wherein all the wild animals of the forest will prowl about; the young lions roar and snatch their prey, and seek their food from God. The sun arises, and they are gathered together; and they shall be put to bed in their dens. Man shall go out to his work and to his labor until evening. O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom; the earth was filled with Your creation. There is this great and spacious sea: the creeping things are there without number; the living things are there, both small and great; there the ships pass through; there is this dragon You formed to play therein. All things wait upon You, that You may give them food in due season. When You give it to them, they shall gather it; when You open Your hand, all things shall be filled with Your goodness. But when You turn Your face away, they shall be troubled; when You take away their breath, they shall die and return again to their dust. You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord be forever; the Lord shall be glad in His works; He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I exist; may my words be pleasing to Him, and I shall be glad in the Lord. May sinners cease from the earth, and the lawless, so as to be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. The sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night. O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

Litany - Iriniká

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

(Lord, have mercy.)

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For Archbishop (name), for the honourable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For our country, for the Queen, and for all in public service, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For this city, and for every city, town and village, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For favourable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, and from the peril of the coronavirus against us, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

For our brethren, those who lead the fight against the coronavirus, the doctors, the medical workers and the scientists, let us pray to the Lord.

(Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

(Lord, have mercy.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

(To You, O Lord.)

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

(Amen.)

Lord, I have cried - Господи воззвах - Tone 8

Lord, I have cried unto You; hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried unto You; hear me. Give heed to the voice of my prayer when I cry unto You. Hear me, O Lord.

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord!

Tone 8
S6: O Lord, if you mark offences, who will stand? But there is forgiveness with you. 

S5: O Lord, I have waited for you for the sake of your name; my soul has waited for your word, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

O city of Zion, be festive and glad! O Church of God, be excited and rejoice greatly! See, your King has come in justice; he is seated on a foal and the children sing his praise. “Hosanna in the highest!” You are blessed, for you show great compassion; have mercy on us. X2

S4: Let Israel hope in the Lord from the morning watch until night, from the morning watch.

S3: For there is mercy with the Lord and abundant redemption with him. He will redeem Israel from all his offences.

The Saviour has arrived today in the city of Jerusalem to fulfil the Scriptures. All the people have taken palms into their hands and spread their clothes in front of him, for they know that he is our God to whom the Cherubim continually sing. “Hosanna in the highest!” You are blessed, for you show great compassion; have mercy on us. X2

S2: Every nation, praise the Lord; every people, acclaim him!

S1: For he has strengthened his mercy over us and the truth of the Lord remains for ever.

O loving Lord, you ride on the Cherubim and are praised by the Seraphim. You have sat on a foal like David and the children honoured you with the praise correct for God, but the Jews unlawfully blasphemed against you. Your ride on a foal and foreshadowed how the Gentiles would pass from unbelief to faith, although at the time they were untamed and uninstructed. Glory to you, O Christ, for only you are merciful and love the human race. X2

Glory:

O city of Zion, be festive and glad! O Church of God, be excited and rejoice greatly! See, your King has come in justice; he is seated on a foal and the children sing his praise. “Hosanna in the highest!” You are blessed, for you show great compassion; have mercy on us.

Both now:

O loving Lord, you ride on the Cherubim and are praised by the Seraphim. You have sat on a foal like David and the children honoured you with the praise correct for God, but the Jews unlawfully blasphemed against you. Your ride on a foal and foreshadowed how the Gentiles would pass from unbelief to faith, although at the time they were untamed and uninstructed. Glory to you, O Christ, for only you are merciful and love the human race.

Prayer of the Entrance

Deacon (in a low voice): Let us pray to the Lord.

Priest (in a low voice) At evening, at morning and at midday we praise, bless and give thanks, and we pray to you, Master of all things, Lord who love mankind: Direct our prayer before you like incense, and do not incline our hearts to words or thoughts of evil, but deliver us from all that hunt down our souls. For our eyes look to you, O Lord, our Lord, and we have hoped in you.

ENTRANCE with censor 

O Joyful Light - Свете тихий - Phos Ilarón 

(A song of St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem)

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us stand.

People: O joyful light of the holy glory of the im­mortal Father, the heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ. Now that we have reached the setting of the sun and behold the evening light, we sing to God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to praise you with cheerful voices, O Son of God, the Giver of life. Behold, the world sings your glory.

Deacon: The evening Prokeimenon.

Prokeimenon Ps 133 Tone 8

R: See, now bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,

S: You stand in the House of the Lord, in the courts of the House of our God.

Litany 

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

(Lord, have mercy.)

Lord almighty, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

(Lord, have mercy.)

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

(Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.)

Let us pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

(Lord, have mercy. 3x)

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

(Lord, have mercy. 3x)

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the hierodeacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

(Lord, have mercy. 3x)

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

(Lord, have mercy. 3x)

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

(Lord, have mercy. 3x)

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

(Lord, have mercy. 3x)

Priest: For You are a merciful God Who loves mankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

(Amen.)

(Reader) Сподоби Господи

O Lord, keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we have set our hope in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, grant me understanding of your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not despise the works of your hands. To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you is due glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Petition litany - Просителна ектения - Plirotiká 

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

(Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

(Lord, have mercy.)

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

(Grant this, O Lord.)

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

(Grant this, O Lord.)

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

(Grant this, O Lord.)

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

(Grant this, O Lord.)

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

(Grant this, O Lord.)

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defence before the dread judgment seat of Christ.

(Grant this, O Lord.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

(To You, O Lord.)

Priest: For You, O God, are good and love mankind, and to You we offer glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

(Amen.)

Priest: Peace be with all.

(And with your spirit.)

Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

(To You, O Lord.)

Priest: (in a low voice)

Lord our God, who bowed the heavens and came down for the salvation of the human race, look upon your servants and upon your inheritance, for to you, the fearful Judge who love mankind, your servants have bowed their heads and inclined their necks, not waiting for any human help, but awaiting your mercy and looking for your salvation. Guard them at every moment, during both the present evening and the approaching night, from every foe, from every hostile operation of the devil and from vain thoughts and evil desires.

Aloud

May the might of your kingdom be blessed and glorified, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

(Amen.)

Apósticha - Стиховни стихири

Tone 2

O faithful, we pass from one divine feast to another. Let us hurry away from palms and branches to the solemn and saving celebration of Christ’s Passion. Let us observe while he endures voluntary suffering for us; let us gratefully sing to him a fitting hymn, “Glory to you, O Lord, Spring of tender mercy and Harbour of salvation!”

Tone 3

S1: Sing to the Lord a new song, for the Lord has accomplished wonders; his right hand and holy arm have brought his salvation. Ps 97

It is awesome to fall into the hands of the living God, for he is the Judge of the thoughts and musings of the heart. Let no one approach in order to test his exceeding faithfulness, but let us come to Christ with humility and fear in order to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Tone 7

S2: He has remembered his mercy to Jacob and his truth to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen our God’s salvation. Ps 97

O evil and adulterous synagogue, you have not been faithful to your own Lord. Why then do you adhere to the Covenant of which you are not the heir? Why do you glorify the Father since you have rejected the Son? Why have you not accepted the prophets who foretold the Son? Be ashamed when your children cry out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Glory: Tone 2

O faithful, we pass from one divine feast to another. Let us hurry away from palms and branches to the solemn and saving celebration of Christ’s Passion. Let us observe while he endures voluntary suffering for us; let us gratefully sing to him a fitting hymn, “Glory to you, O Lord, Spring of tender mercy and Harbour of salvation!”

Both now: Tone 3

It is awesome to fall into the hands of the living God, for he is the Judge of the thoughts and musings of the heart. Let no one approach in order to test his exceeding faithfulness, but let us come to Christ with humility and fear in order to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Song of Simeon - Сега отпускаш 

B/P: O Master, now let your servant depart in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before all peoples, a light of revelation for the nations and the glory of your people Israel. 

Triságion Prayers - Трисвятое

Reader: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Святы́й Бо́же, Святы́й Крепкий, Святы́й Безсмертный, помилуй нас!

Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, Ἅγιος ἰσχυρός, Ἅγιος ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

Glory to Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All‑holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (X3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

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

People: Amen.

Apolytíkia - Тропари

1: Hail, O Virgin Theotokos, Mary full of grace; the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Saviour of our souls. Богородице Дево радуйся

2: O Baptist of Christ, remember us all, so that we may be released from our offences, for grace is given to you to intercede for us. 

Glory:
3: O holy apostles and all you saints, intercede for us so that we may be released from dangers and sorrows, for we have acquired you as fervent advocates before the Saviour. 

Both now:
4: O Theotokos, only pure and blessed Lady, we take refuge beneath your compassion; do not despise our pleas in adversity, but rescue us from dangers. 

Reader: Lord, have mercy. (40)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

More honourable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, without defilement you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos we magnify you!

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

Priest: Blessed are You, Christ our God, always now and forever and to the ages of ages.

(Amen.)

P: O Heavenly King, preserve the Orthodox Christians, confirm the faith, pacify the nations, give peace to the world, preserve this (holy) house and place our departed fathers and brothers in the dwellings of the just. Accept us in repentance and confession, for you are good and the Lover of the human race. 

(Amen.)

Prayer of St. Ephraim

O Lord and Master of my life, do not permit the spirit of laziness and meddling, the lust for power and idle talk to come into me. (Bow)

Instead, grant me, your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love. (Bow)

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother.

For you are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen. (Bow)

A prayer to St. Nikephóros the Leper

O marvellous Father Nikephóros, great intercessor to the Lord, worshiping your will and strength of spirit, with which you have endured such great anguish and suffering, but have not surrendered the will of God, plead for us — sinners, before the Most High to preserve the Holy Orthodox Church and all the children of God from invasion of enemies and miscreants, diseases and infections. Oh, Wonderful Father Nikephóros, you know best what suffering is. Save us! Great intercessor before the Lord, I humbly plead with you: intercede for us and our loved ones before our Lord God: (names), and ask Him to deliver us from any epidemic, illness, and spiritual suffering. Oh, Reverend Father Nikephóros, a great intercessor before the Lord, asks Him to give us prosperity again this year — that there will be no assault on crops, fruit trees and animals; to bring down good rainfall, to give a warm sun, to produce a rich and abundant harvest. Amen!

Prayer for deliverance from the new pandemic - Coronavirus

It is usually read before dismissal of Vespers, Matins or Liturgy

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord!

People: Lord have mercy!

The priest reads this prayer on the soleas facing east:

Lord, our God, Who are rich in mercy, and with your wise providence govern our life, hear our prayer, receive our repentance for our sins, stop the new infectious disease (the new epidemic), as You once ceased the punishment of Your people in the time of King David.

You, Who are the Physician of our souls and bodies, grant recovery to the sick, raising them hastily from the bed of suffering so that they may glorify You, our Merciful Saviour, and protect the healthy ones from any disease.

Bless, O Lord, strengthen and protect with Your grace all those who with philanthropy and sacrifice take care of the sick at their homes or in hospitals.

Remove all disease and suffering from among the people and teach us to value life and health as Your gifts.

Give us, o God, Your peace and fill our hearts with steadfast faith in Your protection, with hope in Your support and with love for You and our neighbour.

For it is Yours to have mercy on us and save us, our God, and to You we give glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Dismissal - Отпуст

Reader: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (X3) Father, bless!

Priest: May He who is coming to His voluntary Passion for our salvation, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honourable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honourable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, of St Hieromartyr Artѐmon; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

People: Amen.

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

People: Amen.