ON TUESDAY EVENING
At, Lord, I have cried, Prosomia.
Stichera for the Cross.
Grave Mode. No longer are we barred.
O Savior, You were nailed to a tree by villains. * You were able thus by a tree to stay death. * Glory to You, O Lord. [GOASD]
You willingly endured being struck, O Master, * so that You might free humanity from bondage. * Glory to You, O Lord! [GOASD]
Additional Stichera. For the Theotokos. Same Melody.
Let us salute the Mother of God and cry out, * as did the Archangel, “Rejoice! You are blessed * and all pure! Glory to you!” [GOASD]
O pure one, you extinguished the sorrow of Eve, * when you gave birth to the joy of the world. * Rejoice, O unwedded Bride! [SD]
Utukufu. Sasa.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. Same Melody.
Prokimeno. Sauti 1
Prokeimenon. Mode 1.
(Zab 23: 6a) Hakika wema na fadhili zitanifuata siku zote za maisha yangu (mara mbili).
Your mercy, O Lord, shall follow me all the days of my life.
Mstari Bwana ndiye mchunganji wangu, sitapungukiwa na kitu [[SWA]]
Verse: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. [SAAS]
At the Aposticha.
Aposticha. Grave Mode. For the Cross.
Automelon.
No longer are we barred from the tree of life, * for we have the hope of Your Cross, O Master. * Glory to You, O Lord. [SD]
Mstari
Verse: I lift my eyes to You, who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the maidservant look to the hands of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He shall have compassion on us. [SAAS]
Same Melody.
Suspended on the Cross, O immortal Master, * You triumphed over the snares of the devil. * Glory to You, O Lord. [SD]
Mstari
Verse: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with contempt; our soul is greatly filled with it. We are a disgrace to those who prosper, and a contempt to the arrogant. [SAAS]
For the Martyrs. Automelon.
When you had wisely despised everything on earth, * O holy martyr Saints, * and had courageously acknowledged Christ in the stadium, * in return for the tortures you received your rewards from Him. * Now that you have acquired access to God the omnipotent, * we beseech you most fervently * to entreat Him in earnest * to save the souls of us sinners who flee to you. [SD]
Utukufu. Sasa.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. Judas today is vigilant.
Truly have you endured death, O Logos, * for indeed You are crucified. * Thus the Virgin Mother cried out and lamented, * with the most beloved and renowned Theologian. * O Christ, who for us endured the Passion and who mortified * death by death, now mortify my passions, and make of me * a participant in Your divine life, * and save me through Your Mother’s prayers. [SD]
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ON WEDNESDAY MORNING
MATINS
After the first Psalter reading, Kathismata. For the Cross.
Grave Mode.
O Christ God, who for me endured being nailed to the Cross, accept my vigilant praise, and save me, in Your benevolence for humanity. [SD]
O Christ God, the commander of the bodiless hosts, You know the laziness of my soul. By Your Cross, save me, for You are benevolent. [SD]
Utukufu. Sasa.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.
O Virgin, as we are ever shielded by the Cross of your Son, we turn away from the assaults of demons. Therefore, we dutifully extol and glorify you, O all-lauded Theotokos. [SD]
After the second Psalter reading, Kathismata.
For the Cross.
O Christ, You gave power to the wood of Your holy Cross, * for it is more luminous than flames of fire and more caustic; * for it burns away the sins of those in illness, * and it illumines the hearts of those extolling * Your voluntary crucifixion. O Christ our God, glory to You! [GOASD]
The Church worships You, O Christ God, and venerates the cedar, pine, and cypress. And she prays to You, “Grant success to our government, through the Theotokos, and have mercy on us.” [GOASD]
Utukufu. Sasa. Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Glory. Both now. Theotokion.
Creation knew you to be a mother, but the Creator showed you be a virgin, when you physically gave birth to Christ God, the Savior of our souls. [SD]
After the third Psalter reading, Kathismata.
For the Cross.
O Christ our God, for us You accepted painful crucifixion, accept us as we extol Your Passion and save us. [SD]
For the Martyrs.
Be glad, O you righteous; let the heavens sing for joy. For when the Martyrs competed, they trampled the enemy, and they brought down the deception of the idols. Let the Church leap for joy, as she celebrates the Judge of the contest, Christ our God, who alone confers victory, and who grants the world the great mercy. [SD]
Utukufu. Sasa.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.
Christ our God was crucified for us, and He brought down the dominion of death. O Virgin Theotokos, unceasingly entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]
Canon for the Cross.
Irmosi.
Grave Mode. Ode i. Heirmos.
Lord, at Your divine signal, the fluid streams of the Red Sea * became solid walls, as they were held back by a mighty wind. * Israel passed over dry-shod; * and they sang the victory song unto You, O God. [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
The Master is mocked and endures crucifixion, removing the reproach on mortals in His benevolence. He is pierced by a spear, by which He slays the waring enemy. [SD]
O merciful Savior, with Your Cross as a bow, You targeted the adversary, and with Your nails as arrows, You shot him, and You healed all people who had been wounded by him of old. [SD]
For the Martyrs.
By the blood of the Saints, the abominable sacrifices to idols have ceased, and all the earth is sanctified, as it ever praises the Martyrs and calls them blessed. [SD]
The hosts of heaven sang hymns in praise of those on earth, as they witnessed them wrestling in body with bodiless opponents. And when they won, the Judge of the contest awarded them with crowns. [SD]
Stavrotheotokion.
The all-pure Lady cried out, “Adam’s record of sin was destroyed when You were pierced by the spear, O my Son. Therefore I extol Your Passion, which is the source of dispassion for all, O Master. [SD]
Canon for the Theotokos.
Same Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ode iii. Heirmos.
First You established by Your Word, by Your omnipotent Logos, * the heavens, O Savior, and You made * all their host by Your divine omnificent Spirit, as the breath of Your mouth. * I pray You, on the unshaken rock of Your confession, Lord, establish me. [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
For the Martyrs.
Stavrotheotokion.
Canon for the Theotokos. Same Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ode iv. Heirmos.
O Christ our God, You did not depart * Your Father’s bosom when You descended to the earth. * I have heard about the mystery of Your plan to save us all, * and I glorify You, O benevolent Lord. [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
O Master, when You appeared on earth as man, You made mortals heavenly. When You were lifted on the Cross, with yourself You lifted all who extol Your Passion. [SD]
You who are Life itself die for mortals. And You, my righteous Jesus, for the unjust endure shame and suffering. We extol Your infinite compassion, O longsuffering Lord. [SD]
For the Martyrs.
O Martyrs, you endured ferocious animals, cauldrons and fire, the amputation of hands and feet, the mutilation of your members, and every other form of torture, which result in the enjoyment of divine delights. [SD]
O Athletes, from the extremities of your bodies, you cried out to Christ, the God of all, and you were heard. And now you have been exalted on the rock of divine perfection. [SD]
Stavrotheotokion.
O Theotokos, make fervent supplication for us who sing your praises, so that we, who glorify the Passion of Christ, might find help in time of dire need. [SD]
Canon for the Theotokos. Same Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ode v. Heirmos.
I have arisen early in the morning. I entreat You, O Lord my God, grant me forgiveness of my offenses, and I pray You direct my ways to the light of your commandments. [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
O Logos of God, You allowed yourself to be crucified for the removal of evils. You tasted bitter gall, to remove the bitter harm done by the pleasurable eating. Glory to Your great compassion. [SD]
O Master, when You were lifted on the Cross, You make the whole earth quake, by Your divine power, and You heal its afflictions. And You confirm wavering hearts in the knowledge of You. [SD]
For the Martyrs.
Although Belial set his wicked traps everywhere, yet he did not catch the Martyrs of Christ. For they were given wings of fire, and they arrived at the divine mansions. [SD]
O all-wise medaled Athletes, you were deified by the unyielding grace of God, and thus you did not feel the pain of torture. You remained unmoved, as though someone else were suffering. [SD]
Stavrotheotokion.
The pure Virgin was visibly shaken as she lamented and cried out: “With what eyes shall I look upon You hanging on the Cross, O my Son, whose eye can dry up all the oceans?” [SD]
Canon for the Theotokos. Same Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ode vi. Heirmos.
I was feeling nauseous from mundane tempestuous worries. * My sins, as if shipmates, threw me overboard into the maw of the beast that devours souls. * Now, like Prophet Jonah, I am praying, * “From this deathly Pit bring up my life, O Christ my God.” [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
O all-good Christ, our only Redeemer, by Your crucifixion You killed the tyrant. You paid out Your saving blood as our price, You purchased us who were held captive, and You brought us to Your Father. [SD]
For lack of self-control of old, I fell down as a grievous corpse. But when Christ was lifted on the Cross, He stretched out His hand and raised me who had fallen. He was willingly wounded, and thus healed all my wounds. [SD]
For the Martyrs.
O Martyrs, you did not succumb to the sleep of deception; rather you put to sleep all the raging of the tyrants. And you fell asleep in the sleep due to the righteous in blessedness; and now you are unsleeping intercessors for all the faithful. [SD]
All-glorious Martyrs, you were firmly based on the rock of Christ’s divine precepts. Therefore you remained unmoved by the wiles of the enemy; sensibly you trampled him underfoot, and with dignity you proceeded to heaven. [SD]
Stavrotheotokion.
O all-blameless Theotokos, you give birth to a baby boy, who together with the Father is understood to be outside of time and before all ages, and who by His crucifixion renews the human race, which had grown old in sin at the advice of the author of evil. [SD]
Canon for the Theotokos. Same Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ode vii. Heirmos.
The fiery furnace turned moist and dew-laden, when the Servants were cast therein, * and they extolled the one God, and they sang to Him, * “O highly exalted God of our fathers and exceedingly glorious.” [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
O Jesus, very merciful Lord, when You voluntarily toiled on the Cross and became a dead man and put the serpent to death, our Forefather Adam found toil-free life. [SD]
We have all been delivered from the curse of the Law; for the Giver of the Law was lifted on the Cross, and He became the source perpetual blessing, grace and mercy, and the destruction of corruption. [SD]
For the Martyrs.
The Martyrs proceeded to the tortures with voluntary effort, and emulated Him who voluntarily suffered. They were crowned by Him, and they now join chorus with the angels. [SD]
O all-praised Martyrs, you delivered your own bodies to divers tortures, and in the pools of your blood you drowned the bodiless enemies. And now you pour out fountains of cures. [SD]
Stavrotheotokion.
The Virgin Mother said, “How can I not grieve, seeing You on the Cross, O sweetest Child of mine! How can I not lament, as You are suffering unjustly, O most righteous Judge! [SD]
Canon for the Theotokos. Same Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ode viii. Heirmos.
Unconsumed by fire was the burning bush on Sinai, * revealing God to Prophet Moses, who was weak in speech and slow of tongue. * And zeal for God kept the three Young Men unscathed by fire and led them to compose the hymn: * “O all you works of the Lord, sing a hymn to the Lord, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
For the Martyrs.
Stavrotheotokion.
Canon for the Theotokos. Same Heirmos.
Irmosi.
Ode ix. Heirmos.
You as the Mother of God and virgin Maid * gave birth remaining a virgin: this is no feat of nature, * but of the condescension of our God. * Thus you the only one who was accounted worthy of these miracles * of God do we magnify. [SD]
Troparia
Troparia.
For the Martyrs.
Stavrotheotokion.
Canon for the Theotokos. When you conceived.
At the Aposticha of Lauds.
Aposticha. Grave Mode. For the Cross.
No longer are we barred.
Benevolent Life-giver, Savior, and Master, * You have ransomed the entire world through Your crucifixion. * Glory to You, O Lord! [SD]
Mstari Asubuhi tumejazwa na huruma yako, Ee Bwana; [[SWA]]
Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]
Same Melody.
When You were crucified of Your own volition * for the world, O merciful Savior, the sun was darkened. * Glory to You, O Lord! [SD]
Mstari Ubora wa Bwana Mungu wetu uwe juu yetu; atuongoze kwa kazi ya mikono yetu; hata kazi ya mikono yetu Aiongoze. [[SWA]]
Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]
For the Martyrs. Same Melody.
Extolled in every land are the holy Martyrs. * They became the stars of the world, as to Christ they shouted, * “Glory to You, O Lord.” [SD]
Utukufu. Sasa.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. Same Melody.
O Lord, when You were crucified of Your own will, * the all-holy Theotokos extolled Your power, * even as watched and grieved. [SD]
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LITURGY
Sifa za heri.
The Beatitudes. Grave Mode.
The fruit that killed me of old was good for food and beautiful to contemplate. But Christ is the very tree of life, from which I eat and die not. And echoing the Robber’s words, I cry out, “Remember me in Your kingdom, O Lord.” [SD]
You laid Your hands on the Cross, O Savior, * in Your great benevolence as God, * and thus corrected Adam’s fateful fall, * when on the tree of knowledge * he laid his hand and ate its fruit. * Therefore, Benefactor and Lord, * we glorify You evermore. [SD]
A crowd of Jews gave You up to Romans, * who then crucified You, Christ the King, * on Calvary, the place of Adam’s skull; * and You, as God and Savior, * crushed the foe’s pernicious skull, * and gushed from Your holy side * rivers of forgiveness to us. [SD]
For the Martyrs.
As you endured many forms of torture, * you were imitating the divine * Passion and saving sufferings of Christ, * and thus you were translated * together to immortal life, * O all-lauded Martyr Saints. * Hence you are beatified. [SD]
Utukufu.
Glory.
The Trinity’s light of triple brightness * is perceived in three hypostases. * I worship it and know now that the three * are one in essence, one God. * The Father, Son, and Spirit share * one nature and principle, * sustaining the universe. [SD]
Sasa.
Both now. Stavrotheotokion.
You saw your Son, whom you bore, O Mary, * being nailed to the cross, and you wept. * And shaken to the core, you cried aloud, * “Forbearing Son, how can You * willingly suffer all these things, * to rescue humanity * from corruption, as You will?” [SD]