Τῌ ΠΕΜΠΤῌ ΕΣΠΕΡΑΣ
ON THURSDAY EVENING
Εἰς τό, Κύριε, ἐκέκραξα, Προσόμοια.
At, Lord, I have cried, Prosomia.
Στιχηρὰ Σταυρώσιμα.
Stichera for the Cross.
Ἦχος πλ. δʹ. Ὁ Ἄγγελός σου Κύριε.
Mode pl. 4. Your Angel.
Λαὸς ὁ ἀνομώτατος, μέσον κατέκρινεν ἀνόμων, Ἰησοῦ μου σταυρωθῆναί σε, τὸν Κύριον καὶ κτίστην τοῦ παντὸς κόσμου, καὶ ὁρῶσα τὸ τόλμημα, ἡ γῆ ἐσείετο ἅπασα, πάντων ποιητήν σε, δεικνύουσα Δέσποτα.
That lawless people sentenced You, Who were the Lord and the Creator * of all the world, to be crucified * in the midst of the outlaws, O my Jesus. * And the earth, when it saw the effrontery, * altogether shook with fear, * thus witnessing, O Master, * that You were the Maker of all. [SD]
Νόμου κατάρας ἅπαντες, λυτρούμεθα καὶ ἐγκλημάτων· ὁ γὰρ νόμου πέλων Κύριος, ἀνυψώθη ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ τῷ τιμίῳ, εὐλογίαν πηγάζων ἀνελλιπῆ, καὶ χάριν καὶ ἔλεος, ἡμῖν τοῖς ὑμνοῦσιν αὐτοῦ, τὰ θεῖα παθήματα.
From the curse of the law and from our sins are we all now delivered, * for the Lord and giver of the Law * was lifted up upon the Cross we now honor. * He pours out a blessing that never abates, * and mercy and His grace, * unto us who laud Him, * extolling His sufferings. [SD]
Ἰάτρευσας φιλάνθρωπε, πληγὰς ἡμῶν, πληγεὶς τὰς χεῖρας, πρὸς ὁδοὺς δὲ βαίνειν Κύριε, σωτηρίους κατεύθυνας πάντας, πόδας σου ὀρυχθεὶς ἐπὶ Σταυροῦ, οὓς πάλαι ὁ πρωτόπλαστος, ἐν Παραδείσῳ, ἰδὼν κατεκρύπτετο.
Ἕτερα Στιχηρά. Τῆς Θεοτόκου. Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.
Additional Stichera. For the Theotokos. What a paradoxal.
Χαῖρε Θεοτόκε Δέσποινα, χαῖρε τὸ σκῆπτρον Δαυΐδ· χαῖρε πύλη οὐράνιε· χαῖρε βάτε ἄφλεκτε· χαῖρε ὄρος κατάσκιον· χαῖρε λυχνία· χαῖρε Πανάχραντε· χαῖρε ἡ στάμνος· χαῖρε παλάτιον· χαῖρε πανάμωμε, Μήτηρ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν· χαῖρε λαβίς· χαῖρε θεία τράπεζα· χαῖρε τοῦ κόσμου ἐλπίς.
Lady Theotokos, O rejoice; * scepter of David, rejoice; * O celestial gate, rejoice; * unconsumed bush, rejoice; * mountain shady and dense, rejoice; * rejoice, O lampstand; rejoice, O golden urn; * rejoice, O palace; rejoice, all-blameless one; * rejoice, immaculate * Mother of our God; rejoice, O tongs; rejoice, * holy table; and the hope * of all the world, rejoice! [SD]
Ἁμαρτιῶν μου τὰ κύματα, ὡς ἐν πελάγει δεινῷ, ὑπεράνω ὑψούμενα, κεφαλῆς ποντίζειν με, κατεπείγουσι Δέσποινα, ἀλλʼ ἔκτεινόν μοι, χεῖρα ὡς Πέτρῳ πρίν, βυθιζομένῳ, καὶ εἰς λιμένα με, σῷον, ὁδήγησον, μετανοίας δέομαι, Μήτηρ Θεοῦ, ἄχραντε πανύμνητε, ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου παντός.
Ἐσκοτισμένος τοῖς πάθεσι, τῆς ἁμαρτίας δεινῶς, εἰς κρημνὸν ἀπογνώσεως, σπεύδω ὁ ταλαίπωρος, ἐμπεσεῖν, σύ με οἴκτειρον, εὐλογημένη θεοχαρίτωτε, λάμψον μοι φέγγος, τῆς εὐσπλαγχνίας σου, καὶ ἐφοδήγησον, εἰς ὁδοὺς εὐθείας με, παρακαλῶ, Πάναγνε καὶ δέομαι· Μὴ ὑπερίδῃς με.
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Σταυροθεοτοκίον. Οἱ Μάρτυρές σου Κύριε.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. Your martyr Saints.
Ἡ Πάναγνος ὡς εἶδέ σε, Σταυρῷ κρεμάμενον ἐθελουσίως, κατανοοῦσά σου τὴν δυναστείαν, λύπῃ συνείχετο Χριστέ, καὶ ὀδυρομένη ἀνεβόα σοι· Τέκνον μή με λίπῃς τὴν τεκοῦσάν σε· δός μοι λόγον Υἱέ μου, μή με σιγῶν παρέλθῃς, Λόγε Θεοῦ τὴν δούλην σου.
Your all-pure virgin Mother watched You willingly submit to crucifixion; * and knowing Your authority and power, * she succumbed to sorrow, O Christ. * In her grief, lamenting, she cried out to You, * “Child, do not leave me who gave birth to You! * My sweetest Son, say something! * Do not in silence pass me * Your servant, O Logos of God!” [SD]
Προκείμενον. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.
Prokeimenon. Mode pl. 2.
Ἡ βοήθειά μου παρὰ Κυρίου, τοῦ ποιήσαντος τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν.
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Στίχ. Ἦρα τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς μου εἰς τὰ ὄρη, ὅθεν ἥξει ἡ βοήθειά μου.
Verse: I lifted my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? [SAAS]
Εἰς τὸν Στίχον.
At the Aposticha.
Ἀπόστιχα Στιχηρά. Ἦχος πλ. δʹ. Σταυρώσιμα.
Aposticha. Mode pl. 4. For the Cross.
Ὑψώθης ἐν Σταυρῷ Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, καὶ ἔσωσας τῶν ἀνθρώπων τὸ γένος, δοξάζομέν σου τὰ παθήματα.
You were lifted on the Cross, O Christ our God, and You saved the human race; therefore, we glorify Your sufferings. [SD]
Στίχ. Πρὸς σὲ ἦρα τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς μου τὸν κατοικοῦντα ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. Ἰδοὺ ὡς ὀφθαλμοὶ δούλων εἰς χεῖρας τῶν Κυρίων αὐτῶν, ὡς ὀφθαλμοὶ παιδίσκης εἰς χεῖρας τῆς Κυρίας αὐτῆς, οὕτως οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν πρὸς Κύριον τὸν θεὸν ἡμῶν, ἕως οὗ οἰκτειρῆσαι ἡμᾶς.
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]
Ἐπάγης ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, καὶ ἤνοιξας παραδείσου τὰς πύλας, δοξάζομέν σε Λυτρωτὰ ἡμῶν.
You were nailed upon the Cross, O Christ our God, and You opened the gates of Paradise. You, our Redeemer, do we glorify. [SD]
Στίχ. Ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, Κύριε, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, ὅτι ἐπὶ πολὺ ἐπλήσθημεν ἐξουδενώσεως, ἐπὶ πλεῖον ἐπλήσθη ἡ ψυχὴ ἡμῶν. Τὸ ὄνειδος τοῖς εὐθηνοῦσι, καὶ ἡ ἐξουδένωσις τοῖς ὑπερηφάνοις.
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]
Μαρτυρικόν.
For the Martyrs.
Μάρτυρες Κυρίου, πάντα τόπον ἁγιάζετε, καὶ πᾶσαν νόσον θεραπεύετε, καὶ νῦν πρεσβεύσατε, ῥυσθῆναι τῶν παγίδων τοῦ ἐχθροῦ, τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν δεόμεθα.
Martyrs of the Lord, you sanctify every locality, and you heal every infirmity. And now we pray you to intercede that our souls be delivered from the snares of the enemy. [SD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Σταυροθεοτοκίον. Οἱ Μάρτυρές σου Κύριε.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. Your martyr Saints.
Ὁρῶσά σε σταυρούμενον, καὶ θανατούμενον ἡ Θεοτόκος· Οἴμοι! ἐκραύγαζε, πῶς τὰς ὀδύνας φέρεις, γλυκύτατε Υἱὲ; βάλλει τὴν καρδίαν μου ἡ λόγχη σου, φλέγει δὲ τὰ σπλάγχνα μου τὸ πάθος σου, ὅμως ὑμνολογῶ σε· θέλων γὰρ ταῦτα πάσχεις, σῶσαι τὸν ἄνθρωπον.
As she beheld You crucified and being put to death, the Theotokos * cried out: Alas for me! O sweetest Son, * how can You endure the awful pains? * Your lance is piercing through my own heart as well, * and Your Passion is setting my reins on fire. * But even so, I laud You, * for willingly You suffer, to save the human race. [SD]
__________
__________
Τῌ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥῌ ΠΡΩΪ
ON FRIDAY MORNING
ΕΝ Τῼ ΟΡΘΡῼ
MATINS
Μετὰ τὴν αʹ Στιχολογίαν, Καθίσματα. Σταυρώσιμα.
After the first Psalter reading, Kathismata. For the Cross.
Ἦχος πλ. δʹ.
Mode pl. 4.
Βλέπων ὁ λῃστὴς τὸν ἀρχηγὸν τῆς ζωῆς, ἐπὶ Σταυροῦ κρεμάμενον ἔλεγεν· Εἰ μὴ Θεὸς ὑπῆρχε σαρκωθείς, ὁ σὺν ἡμῖν σταυρωθείς, οὐκ ἂν ὁ ἥλιος τὰς ἀκτῖνας ἐναπέκρυψεν, οὐδὲ ἡ γῆ σειομένη ἐκυμαίνετο. Ἀλλʼ ὁ πάντων ἀνεχόμενος, μνήσθητί μου Κύριε, ἐν τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου.
When the Robber saw the Author of life hanging on the Cross, he said, “If He who is crucified with us were not God incarnate, the sun would not have hid its rays, nor would the earth have quaked and trembled. I pray You who endure everything, remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom.” [SD]
Ἐν μέσῳ δύο λῃστῶν, ζυγὸς δικαιοσύνης εὑρέθη ὁ Σταυρός σου· τοῦ μὲν καταγομένου εἰς ᾅδην, τῷ βάρει τῆς βλασφημίας, τοῦ δὲ κουφιζομένου πταισμάτων, πρός γνῶσιν θεολογίας. Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, δόξα σοι.
Between the two robbers, Your Cross was a balance of justice. One was weighed down to hell by the weight of his blasphemy, the other floated up from his sins to the knowledge of theology. O Christ God, glory to You. [SD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Σταυροθεοτοκίον. Τὸ προσταχθέν.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. N/M (When he perceived.)
Τὸν ἐξ αἱμάτων σου ἁγνῶν σωματωθέντα, καὶ ὑπὲρ ἔννοιαν ἐκ σοῦ Σεμνὴ τεχθέντα, ἐπὶ ξύλου κρεμάμενον μέσον τῶν κακούργων, ὁρῶσα τὰ σπλάγχνα ἤλγεις καὶ μητρικῶς, θρηνοῦσα ἐβόας· Οἴμοι! Τέκνον ἐμόν, τίς ἡ θεία καὶ ἄφατος, οἰκονομία σου διʼ ἧς, ἐζώωσας τὸ πλάσμα σου! Ἀνυμνῶ σου τὸ εὔσπλαγχνον.
O noble Lady, as you watched your Son, who was incarnated from your blood, and whom you bore incomprehensibly, hanging on a cross between two criminals, your heart ached, and you grieved maternally and cried out, “Alas, O my Child! What is this divine and ineffable plan of Yours, by which You brought Your creature back to life! I extol Your compassion.” [SD]
Μετὰ τὴν βʹ Στιχολογίαν, ἕτερα Καθίσματα. Σταυρώσιμα.
After the second Psalter reading, Kathismata. For the Cross.
Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.
O Life of all, You rose.
Ἐν μέσῳ τῆς Ἐδέμ, ξύλον θάνατον ἤνθησεν, ἐν μέσῳ δὲ τῆς γῆς, ξύλον ζωὴν ἐβλάστησε· γευσάμενοι γὰρ τοῦ πρώτου, ἄφθαρτοι ὄντες, φθαρτοὶ γεγόναμεν· τυχόντες δὲ τοῦ δευτέρου, τῆς ἀφθαρσίας κατετρυφήσαμεν· ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ γὰρ ἔσωσε Χριστός, τὸ γένος τῶν ἀνθρώπων.
A tree once blossomed death in the middle of Eden. * The tree in the middle of the earth has produced life. * Tasting from the former, * we the incorrupt became corruptible, * whereas with the latter * we have delighted in incorruptibility. * For Christ our God has saved the human race * by means of His divine Cross. [SD]
Τὸ προσταχθέν.
When he perceived.
Ἐν Παραδείσῳ μὲν τὸ πρὶν ξύλον ἐγύμνωσεν, ἐπὶ τῇ γεύσει ὁ ἐχθρὸς εἰσφέρει νέκρωσιν· τοῦ Σταυροῦ δὲ τὸ ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς τὸ ἔνδυμα, ἀνθρώποις φέρον ἐπάγη ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ κόσμος ὅλος ἐπλήσθη πάσης χαρᾶς· ὃν ὁρῶντες ὑψούμενον, Θεῷ ἐν πίστει λαοί, συμφώνως ἐκβοήσωμεν· Πλήρης δόξης ὁ οἶκός σου.
Of old the tree in the garden stripped us naked, * and by its taste did the enemy bring in death. * Now the tree of the Cross, which for all mankind is bearing * the garment of life, was planted upon the earth, * and therefore is all the world filled with every joy. * As we see it exalted now, let us, O peoples, cry aloud * together unto God in faith: * Full of glory is Your house, O Lord. [SD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Σταυροθεοτοκίον. Ὅμοιον.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. Same Melody.
Ἐκ τῶν αἱμάτων τῶν ἐμῶν, βροτὸς γεγέννησαι, ἐκ τῶν αἱμάτων δὲ τῶν σῶν, βροτοὺς ἐθέωσας, τοὺς βρώσει δὲ φθαρέντας, ζητῶν κατῆλθες, ὡς ὑπεράγαθος, ἐβόα πάλαι ἡ ἄμεμπτος, ἐν κλαυθμῷ, Χριστὸν θρηνοῦσα κρεμάμενον, ἐν Σταυρῷ, ὃν ὁρῶσα νεκρούμενον, δακρύων ἔῤῥει κρουνούς, τὰς ὄψεις καταξαίνουσα, καὶ αὐτὸν μεγαλύνουσα.
“Out of my blood, You have become a human being, * and now by Your blood, You are deifying those who * ate and died, and for whom You came down, and You sought them.” * So cried out the blameless Lady as she beheld * her Son, our Savior Christ, being crucified. * As she witnessed Him put to death, she shed a faucet of tears, * and even as she mourned for Him, she extolled Him as God most good. [GOASD]
Μετὰ τὴν γʹ Στιχολογίαν, ἕτερα Καθίσματα.
After the third Psalter reading, Kathismata.
Σταυρώσιμον. Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.
For the Cross. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)
Θεώσεως ψευσθείς, ὁ γενάρχης ἐλπίδος, φθορᾶς τοῖς ἐξ αὐτοῦ, πᾶσιν αἴτιος ὤφθη· σὺ δέ διὰ Σταυροῦ σου, ζωὴν πηγάζεις ὡς ὑπεράγαθος· θέλων καὶ γὰρ ἐπάγης, ἵνα τὸ πρῶτον λύσῃς κατάκριμα· διὸ ὑμνοῦμέν σου Χριστέ, τὸ πάθος τὸ ἑκούσιον.
When Adam our progenitor was deceived into hoping to become a god, he became the cause of corruption to his descendants. But You, Lord most benevolent, pour out life by means of the Cross. You were willingly crucified, so as to reverse the former verdict. Therefore we extol Your voluntary Passion, O Christ. [SD]
Μαρτυρικόν.
For the Martyrs.
Φωτὶ οὐρανίῳ καταλάμπεται, σήμερον αὕτη ἡ σκηνή· ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ στρατιαί, Ἀγγέλων ἀγάλλονται, σὺν αὐταῖς καὶ δικαίων, χοροὶ εὐφραίνονται, ἐπὶ τῇ μνήμῃ τῶν Ἀθλοφόρων. Αὐτῶν ταῖς παρακλήσεσι, κατάπεμψον τῷ κόσμῳ σου, τὴν εἰρήνην Χριστέ, καὶ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.
Today this tabernacle is illumined with heavenly light. For here the armies of Angels are exultant, and the choirs of the righteous celebrate with them, for the memory of the medal-winning Athletes. By their supplications, send down peace and great mercy to Your world, O Christ. [SD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Σταυροθεοτοκίον. Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)
Ὢ θαύματος καινοῦ! ὢ φρικτοῦ μυστηρίου! ἐβόα ἡ Ἀμνάς, τὸν Υἱὸν καθορῶσα, ξύλῳ Σταυροῦ παγέντα· Τί τοῦτο Λόγε Θεοῦ ἀθάνατε; πῶς νεκρὸς ὁρᾶσαι, καὶ γῆν σαλεύεις ὡς Παντοδύναμος; ἀλλὰ ὑμνῶ σου τὴν φρικτήν, καὶ θείαν συγκατάβασιν.
The Theotokos, who is likened to a ewe-lamb, watched as her Son was crucified, and she cried out, “Oh novel wonder! Oh terrible mystery! What is this, O immortal Logos of God? How is it that I see you dead, and yet You make the earth to quake, as almighty God? I extol Your divine and awe-inspiring condescension.” [SD]
Κανὼν Σταυρώσιμος.
Canon for the Cross.
Ἦχος πλ. δʹ. ᾨδὴ αʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Mode pl. 4. Ode i. Heirmos.
Σταυρὸν χαράξας Μωσῆς, ἐπʼ εὐθείας ῥάβδῳ, τὴν Ἐρυθρὰν διέτεμε, τῷ Ἰσραὴλ πεζεύσαντι· τὴν δὲ ἐπιστρεπτικῶς, Φαραὼ τοῖς ἅρμασι, κροτήσας ἥνωσεν, ἐπʼ εὔρους διαγράψας, τὸ ἀήττητον ὅπλον· διὸ Χριστῷ ᾄσωμεν, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν ὅτι δεδόξασται.
Moses prefigured the Cross. * Lifting up the rod, he stretched out his hand and split the Sea for Israel to cross on land. * Then he stretched it out again, * and the sea returned and covered Pharaoh’s chariots. * The Cross was thus portrayed as our invincible armor. * So let us sing to the Lord, * Christ our God, for He is greatly glorified. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Παλάμας θείας Σταυρῷ, Ἰησοῦ ἁπλώσας, πρὸς σεαυτὸν συνήγαγες, χειρῶν σου τὸ πλαστούργημα, καὶ ἐκ χειρὸς πονηροῦ, πάντας ἠλευθέρωσας, καὶ καθυπέταξας, χειρὶ κραταιοτάτῃ, Βασιλεῦ τῶν ἁπάντων· διὸ πιστοὶ ᾄσωμεν, τῷ μεγέθει σου ὅτι δεδόξασται.
You stretched out Your divine hands * on the Cross, O Jesus, * and thus You gathered to yourself * what You had formed with Your own hands. * And from the hand of the foe, * You emancipated all; * and by Your mighty hand * You brought all to submission, * as the King of all ages. * And we believers now sing in praise * of Your greatness, which is greatly glorified. [SD]
Λυμαντικὴ ἐν Ἐδέμ, γέγονε τοῦ ξύλου, ἡ ἀπευκτὴ ἀπόγευσις, τὸν θάνατον εἰσάξασα· Χριστὸς δὲ θανατωθείς, ἐπὶ ξύλου ἅπασι, ζωὴν ἐπήγασε, καὶ ἔκτεινε τὸν ὄφιν, θεϊκῇ δυναστείᾳ· διὸ αὐτῷ ᾄσωμεν, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν ὅτι δεδόξασται.
That hapless bite from the fruit * of the tree in Eden * became the ruin of us all, * for by it death was introduced. * But Christ, dying on the tree * of the Cross, has now poured out eternal life to all. * By His divine dominion * He killed the evil serpent. * So let us all sing in praise * to our God, for He is greatly glorified. [SD]
Μαρτυρικά.
For the Martyrs.
Ἠνδρίσαντο Ἰησοῦ, τῶν Μαρτύρων πλήθη, Σταυρῷ τε καὶ τῷ πάθει σου, παθῶν κατεξανίστασθαι. Καὶ ἔναντι τῶν ἐχθρῶν, Βασιλέα ᾔνεσάν σε, πάσης κτίσεως· ὑπέμειναν βασάνους, καὶ κινδύνους ἀπείρους· διὸ τῆς σῆς ἔτυχον, ἀϊδίου ζωῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν.
O Jesus, Your martyr saints * bravely fought the passions, * empowered by Your holy Cross * and by the Passion You endured. * They praised You and called You King * of creation all, before impious enemies. * And they endured the tortures * and never-unending perils, * and thus received their reward: * life eternal with You, our almighty God. [SD]
Ῥαντίσματι θεουργῷ, τοὺς χοροὺς Μαρτύρων, αἱμάτων ἀκηράτων σου, κηρύττοντάς σε ἔῤῥανας· ἐφʼ ᾧ καὶ τὰ ἑαυτῶν, διὰ σὲ ἐκένωσαν, προθύμως αἵματα, μὴ σπένδειν εἰρηκότες, τοῖς ἀψύχοις ξοάνοις, ἀλλʼ ὑπὲρ σοῦ θνήσκοντες, τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἄμωμα θύματα.
You sprinkled the martyr saints * with Your deifying * and undefiled blood, O Christ, * and they proclaimed that You are God. * They stated that they would not * ever pour libations out to an inanimate * idol or graven image; * and thus for You they poured out * their own blood and they died for You, * as blameless sacrifices to You our God. [SD]
Σταυροθεοτοκίον.
Stavrotheotokion.
Ὡς ἔβλεψέ σε Σταυρῷ, τὸν τὰ πάντα βλέποντα, ἡλούμενον ἡ Ἄμεμπτος, ὀδυρομένη ἔλεγε· Τί τοῦτο Τέκνον ἐμόν; τί σοι ἀνταπέδωκαν, οἱ ἀπολαύσαντες, πολλῶν σου δωρημάτων; πῶς ὑποίσω τὸν πόνον; Δόξα τῇ σῇ Εὔσπλαγχνε, καὶ Μακρόθυμε οἰκονομίᾳ φρικτῇ.
When she who is blameless saw * You, the Lord who sees all, * as You were nailed upon the Cross, * she mourned and wept and cried aloud, * “My Son, what is this affront! * After they received from You so many blessings and gifts, * look how they have repaid You! * I cannot bear the this torment. * Forbearing, merciful Lord, * glory to Your awesome plan to save the world!” [SD]
Κανὼν τῆς Θεοτόκου.
Canon for the Theotokos.
Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.
The rod of Moses.
Τὸ Θεοτόκον σε κηρύττειν ἄχραντον, πάσης αἱρέσεως, ἀποτροπὴν φέρει· σάρκα γὰρ γενόμενον, ἀναλλοιώτως ἔτεκες, τὸν ἐπέκεινα πάσης, Θεογεννῆτορ τῆς κτίσεως, Λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ τὸν ἀΐδιον.
The declaration that you are immaculate and Theotokos indeed, * definitely counters all the ancient heresies. * The everlasting Word of God, * who transcends all creation, * became incarnate unchangingly, * O Mother of God, and was born from you. [SD]
Ὡς Θεοῦ Μήτηρ παῤῥησίαν ἔχουσα, πρὸς τὸν τεχθέντα ἐκ σοῦ, μονογενῆ Λόγον, καὶ Πατρὶ συνάναρχον, καὶ συμφυῆ τῷ Πνεύματι, δυσωποῦσα μὴ παύσῃ, κινδύνων σῶσαι Πανάμωμε, τοὺς σὲ Θεοτόκον δοξάζοντας.
Since you, O Mother of our God, have confidence addressing Him whom you bore, * the only-begotten Logos, unoriginate * with God the Father, naturally with the Spirit united, * pray Him to save us, who glorify * you as Theotokos, from dangers all. [SD]
Σὲ Θεομῆτορ προστασίαν ἔχοντες, οὐ δειλιάσομεν, τὸ τῶν ἐχθρῶν στῖφος, τὸ ἀντιμαχόμενον, τοῖς εὐσεβῶς δοξάζουσι, τὸν ἐκ σοῦ σαρκωθέντα, Θεὸν τῶν ὅλων καὶ Κύριον· ὃν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐκδυσώπησον.
Mother of God, since we have you protecting us, we shall not be afraid * when enemy forces fight against us who believe * correctly and who glorify God who came forth incarnate * from you, O Lady. On our behalf * implore Him, the Lord of the universe. [SD]
Νοῦς καὶ οὐράνιος τὸ σὸν μυστήριον, τὸ ἀκατάληπτον, κατανοεῖν ὄντως, ἀτονεῖ Πανύμνητε· τοῦ γὰρ Πατρὸς ὁ σύνθρονος, ἐν γαστρί σου σκηνώσας, ἐκ σοῦ τεχθῆναι εὐδόκησε, φύσεσι διτταῖς γνωριζόμενος.
All-lauded Lady, your incomprehensible mystery mystifies * even minds of heaven when they seek to fathom it. * The Son, who shares His Father’s throne, * was well-pleased to become man, * dwell in your womb, and be born of you, * and be known in two natures, God and man. [SD]
ᾨδὴ γʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode iii. Heirmos.
Ῥάβδος εἰς τύπον, τοῦ μυστηρίου παραλαμβάνεται· τῷ βλαστῷ γὰρ προκρίνει τὸν ἱερέα· τῇ στειρευούσῃ δὲ πρῴην, Ἐκκλησίᾳ νῦν ἐξήνθησε, ξύλον Σταυροῦ, εἰς κράτος καὶ στερέωμα.
The rod of Aaron is seen as typifying the mystery; * for it budded, and thus was the priest selected. * Now in the Church, that was barren once, the Cross of Christ, like a tree, * has blossomed forth, * as power and a firm support. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Μέλανα κόσμον, μετημφιάσθη ὁρῶν ὁ ἥλιος, ἐπὶ ξύλου σε ἀδίκως ἀρθέντα, καὶ διεῤῥάγησαν πέτραι, καὶ γῆ φόβῳ πᾶσα ἔφριξε, μόνε Σωτήρ, εἰς πάντων ἀπολύτρωσιν.
O only Savior, when You were unjustly lifted on the cross, * to redeem all, the sun saw it and recoiled, * changing its brightness to darkness; all the earth was gripped with fear and quaked; * even the rocks were splitting in astonishment. [SD]
Ἁπλώσας χεῖρας, Μωσῆς ἐτύπου Σταυρὸν τὸν τίμιον. Τοῦτον ἠμεῖς νῦν ἐκτυποῦντες ἐμφρόνως, ἔθνη ἀλλόφυλα πάντα, τῶν δαιμόνων ἐκτρεπόμεθα, βλάβης ἐκτός, ἀπάσης διαμένοντες.
Moses extended his arms and thus prefigured the precious Cross. * Now when we make the sign of the Cross with meaning, * we drive away foreign enemies and every demonic assault, * and we remain untouched by harm or injury. [SD]
Μαρτυρικά.
For the Martyrs.
Παθῶν κρατοῦντες, οἱ Ἀθλοφόροι πάθη εἰκόνιζον, πολυτρόποις πάθεσιν προσομιλοῦντες, τοῦ ἑκουσίως παθόντος, καὶ τὰ πάθη θανατώσαντος, καὶ τὴν ζωήν, τῷ κόσμῳ ἀνατείλαντος.
The medaled Martyrs had overcome the passions within themselves; * and by suffering various kinds of torture, * they imitated the voluntary Passion of the Lord, who killed * passions and sin, and shined eternal life on the world. [SD]
Ἀνεπιστρόφως, τοῦ μαρτυρίου ὁδὸν βαδίζοντες, τὰ προσκόμματα τῆς πλάνης ἐκ μέσου, οἱ εὐκλεεῖς Ἀθλοφόροι, ἐποίησαν καὶ κατήντησαν, πρὸς καταπαύσεις, τὰς θείας εὐφραινόμενοι.
Taking the road that led to martyrdom and never turning back, * and removing all obstacles of deception, * the holy Martyrs, like famous medaled athletes on the podium, * received their award in heaven and rejoice in the Lord. [SD]
Σταυροθεοτοκίον.
Stavrotheotokion.
Νομίμων δίχα, τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων σὲ Τέκνον ἔτεκον· καὶ πῶς ἄνομοι ὑψοῦσί σε ξύλῳ, μέσον ἀνόμων τὸν μόνον, νόμους ζωῆς ἐκτιθέμενον; ἡ Θεοτόκος, θρηνοῦσα ἀπεφθέγγετο.
“Without the laws of human nature, my Son, I gave birth to You, * who are crucified now by men who are lawless, * amidst the lawless. Alas, O only Lord who gave the laws of life!” * Thus in her grief the Theotokos cried aloud. [SD]
Κανὼν τῆς Θεοτόκου. Ὁ στερεώσας κατʼ ἀρχάς.
Canon for the Theotokos. In the beginning.
Νενεκρωμένον μου τὸν νοῦν, τῇ τῆς ζωῆς ἐνεργείᾳ, τῆς ἐκ σοῦ φανερωθείσης τῷ κόσμῳ, διανάστησον οὐλάς, καὶ τύπους ἐξαλείφουσα, τῆς ἁμαρτίας μόνη, Θεογεννῆτορ πανάμωμε.
All-blameless Mother of our God, * from you did Christ who is true life * to the world appear. And now I entreat you: * By His vivifying grace, * revive my deadened intellect, * and blot out all remaining * scarred over wounds and the marks of sin. [SD]
Ῥήσεις τῶν θείων Προφητῶν, καὶ τὰς αὐτῶν προφητείας, ἐπεσφράγισας τεκοῦσα τὸν Λόγον, τὸν λαλοῦντα διʼ αὐτῶν, καὶ τὰς αὐτῶν πληρώσαντα, θεηγορίας μόνη, εὐλογημένη Πανάμωμε.
O blessed Virgin, you confirmed * what was foretold by the Prophets * of the Lord, when you gave birth to the Logos, * who was speaking then through them * and who fulfilled their prophecies, * for they were God-inspired * and spoke of you, O all-blameless one. [SD]
Ἀπειρογάμως ἐκ Πατρός, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων ἀφράστως, ἐν γαστρί σου συλλαβοῦσα Παρθένε, ἀπεγέννησας ἡμῖν, Θεὸν ὁμοῦ καὶ ἄνθρωπον, ἐν ἑκατέρᾳ φύσει, τέλειον οὐ διαιρούμενον.
Before the ages was your Son * begotten of God the Father. * You ineffably conceived Him, O Virgin, * in your womb, but without seed, * and for us you gave birth to Him, * complete in both His natures, * as God and man, indivisible. [SD]
Σοῦ τὴν ἁγίαν ὁ Θεός, γαστέρα κατασκηνώσας, ἐσαρκώθη Θεομῆτορ ὡς οἶδε, καὶ διέσωσεν ἡμᾶς, τοῖς ζωηφόροις πάθεσιν· ὅθεν σε σωτηρίας, πύλην Παρθένε γινώσκομεν.
O Theotokos, we know you * to be the gate of salvation. * For in your all-holy womb, God our Savior * dwelt, O Virgin, and became * incarnate there, as He know how. * Then, by His vivifying * and holy Passion, He saved us all. [SD]
ᾨδὴ δʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode iv. Heirmos.
Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε, τῆς οἰκονομίας σου τὸ μυστήριον, κατενόησα τὰ ἔργα σου, καὶ ἐδόξασά σου τὴν θεότητα.
I have heard the report, O Lord, * of Your incarnation, which is a mystery. * I considered Your astounding works, * and I glorified Your divinity. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Τῷ Σταυρῷ σου Παράδεισος, Σῶτερ ἀνεῴχθη καὶ ὁ κατάκριτος, εἰσῳκίσθη πάλιν ἄνθρωπος, τὴν σὴν μεγαλύνων ἀγαθότητα.
By Your Cross now is Paradise * opened, and mankind that of old had been condemned * is brought in to settle there again, * Savior, magnifying Your benevolence. [SD]
Ὡσεὶ κέδρον εὐσέβειαν, πίστιν ὡς κυπάρισσον τὴν ἀγάπην τε, ὡσεὶ πεύκην περιφέροντες, τὸν Σταυρὸν τὸν θεῖον προσκυνήσωμεν.
Let us carry the fear of God * as if it were cedar, and faith as cypress wood, * and as pine let us have genuine * love, and thus we honor the divine Cross of Christ. [SD]
Νεκρωθέντας ἐζώωσας, Σῶτερ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους νεκρὸς γενόμενος, καὶ τὸν ὄφιν ἀπενέκρωσας, τὸν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ἐπεισάξαντα.
By submitting to death yourself, * You revived humanity which had died of old, * O our Savior, and You put to death * the serpentine devil who had introduced sin. [SD]
Μαρτυρικά.
For the Martyrs.
Τῶν παθῶν χρηματίσαντες, σύμμορφοι οἱ θεῖοι τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μάρτυρες, κοινωνοὶ καὶ τῆς λαμπρότητος, τῆς ἐπουρανίου ἐχρημάτισαν.
By conforming themselves to Christ, * to His holy Passion and to His suffering, * His divine and holy Martyr saints * also share His heavenly resplendence now. [SD]
Ὡραιώθητε Μάρτυρες, Λόγῳ τῷ ὡραίῳ εὐαρεστήσαντες· ἐλαμπρύνθητε τὸν Ἥλιον, τῆς δικαιοσύνης ἀγαπήσαντες.
Since you pleased the most beautiful * Lord and Word, O Martyrs, you became beautiful. * Since you loved the Sun of righteousness, * you were made to shine with Him resplendently. [SD]
Σταυροθεοτοκίον.
Stavrotheotokion.
Νέον βρέφος ἐκύησας, τὸν πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων ὄντα παντέλειον, καὶ Σταυρῷ Κόρη πανάμωμε, τελειοῦντα πάντα ἀγαθότητι.
You gave birth to the babe who is * before all eternity the all-perfect Lord. * On the Cross He finished everything * in His goodness, O all-blameless Virgin pure. [SD]
Κανὼν τῆς Θεοτόκου. Σύ μου ἰσχύς.
Canon for the Theotokos. You are my strength.
Μετὰ Θεόν, σὲ προστασίαν κεκτήμεθα· σὺ γὰρ Μήτηρ, Θεοῦ ἐχρημάτισας, τοῦ ποιητοῦ καὶ δημιουργοῦ, καὶ τὴν ἡμετέραν, μορφὴν λαβόντος Πανάμωμε, καὶ ταύτην σεσωκότος, ἐκ φθορᾶς καὶ θανάτου, καὶ τῇ ἑαυτοῦ δόξῃ δοξάσαντος.
Second to God, * we have you, Lady, protecting us. * For you truly are the Mother of our God who fashioned all and created all. * He assumed our nature and form from you, O all-blameless one. * He saved it from corruption, and from death He redeemed it; * and with His own glory He glorified it. [SD]
Ὡς ἐκ φυλῆς, τοῦ βασιλέως ὑπάρχουσα, τὸν τῶν ὅλων, κατεξουσιάζοντα, Λόγον Θεὸν τέτοκας ἡμῖν, σάρκα γεγονότα, καὶ μείναντα ἀναλλοίωτον· διό σε Θεοτόκον, ἀληθῶς καὶ κυρίως, Παναγία Παρθένε δοξάζομεν.
Descending from * the tribe of kings, you gave birth to God, * the divine Word, who is the almighty Ruler over all; * and for us from you * He became incarnate and yet remained unalterable. * Therefore we glorify you, as the true Theotokos, * holy Virgin and Mother of Christ our God. [SD]
Θεὸν ἐκ σοῦ, τὸν σαρκωθέντα δυσώπησον, τὸν ἀτρέπτως, ὃ ἦν διαμείναντα, καὶ φυσικῶς ἴσον τῷ Πατρί, καὶ σοὶ τῇ Τεκούσῃ, γενόμενον ὁμοούσιον, συγχώρησιν πταισμάτων, καὶ ψυχῶν σωτηρίαν, τοῖς ὑμνοῦσί σε πίστει δωρήσασθαι.
Lady, implore * your Son and God who took flesh from you * without changing, and remaining what He was, with God the Father in nature one, * and becoming one in essence with you who gave birth to Him, * that He will grant forgiveness of their sins and salvation * of their souls to the faithful who honor you. [SD]
Νῦν τὴν ὀφρύν, τῶν ἀθετούντων κατάβαλε, τῆς εἰκόνος, Κόρη τὴν προσκύνησιν, σοῦ τῆς σεπτῆς, καὶ τοῦ ὑπὲρ νοῦν, ἐκ σοῦ σαρκωθέντος, καὶ κόσμον ὅλον φωτίσαντος, καὶ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων· τοὺς δὲ πίστει τιμῶντας, καταφαίδρυνον μόνη Πανύμνητε.
Lady, subdue * the vain conceit of the those who deny * veneration to your holy icon and to that of Him * who ineffably * was from you incarnate, * and who illumined the world, and that * of all His Saints, O Virgin. * As for us who correctly * venerate them, all-lauded one, brighten us. [SD]
ᾨδὴ εʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode v. Heirmos.
Ὢ τρισμακάριστον ξύλον! ἐν ᾧ ἐτάθη Χριστός, ὁ Βασιλεὺς καὶ Κύριος· διʼ οὗ πέπτωκεν ὁ ξύλῳ ἀπατήσας, τῷ ἐν σοὶ δελεασθείς, Θεῷ τῷ προσπαγέντι σαρκί, τῷ παρέχοντι, τὴν εἰρήνην ταῖς ψυχαῖς ἡμῶν.
Tree of the Cross, you are thrice-blessed, * for Jesus Christ, who is King and Lord, was crucified on you. * Through you fallen is the one who by a tree deceived us, * for he was lured by God who in the flesh indeed * was hung and nailed to you, * and who grants to our souls His peace. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Καταστολὴν ἀφθαρσίας, τοὺς γυμνωθέντας ἡμᾶς, ἐνδῦσαι ἐφιέμενος, ἀπεδύθης καὶ σταυρῷ ὑπετάθης, καὶ ἐγύμνωσας ἐχθροῦ, Χριστὲ τὰ πανουργεύματα· διὰ τοῦτό σου, τὰ παθήματα δοξάζομεν.
O Lord, desiring to clothe us * with incorruption, for we had been stripped naked of Your grace, * You were stripped and You were crucified naked, * and You thereby stripped the foe of everything that made him strong, * Thus we glorify * what You suffered for our sakes, O Christ. [SD]
Αἷμα πλευρᾶς ἀποστάξαν, σωτηριώδους σαφῶς, τὸν κόσμον ἀπεκάθηρεν, ἐπιβώμιά τε αἵματα καταπαῦσαν, τοὺς φθαρέντας τῷ καρπῷ, τῆς βρώσεως ἀνέπλασε, καὶ ἐπήγασεν, ἀφθαρσίαν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ἡμῶν.
From the side of Christ the Savior * upon the Cross flowed the blood, which manifestly cleansed the world, * ended blood sacrifices on pagan altars, * and refashioned those corrupted by eating the forbidden fruit, * and poured forth to our souls * incorruption and eternal life. [SD]
Μαρτυρικά.
For the Martyrs.
Λελαμπρυσμένοι τῷ κάλλει, πολυειδῶν αἰκισμῶν, οἱ Μάρτυρες οἱ ἔνδοξοι, θείῳ αἵματί τε σημειωθέντες, τὴν κωλύουσαν τὸ πρίν, διήλθοσαν ῥομφαίαν σαφῶς, καὶ ἐσκήνωσαν, γεγηθότες εἰς Παράδεισον.
The Savior’s glorious Martyrs, * shone forth with beauty and grace from all the torments they endured. * Being sealed with the divine blood, they were granted * entrance passed the flaming sword that formerly had guarded the way, * and they dwell evermore * with holy joy in Paradise. [SD]
Ὡς θαυμαστὸς σὺ ὑπάρχεις, ἐν τοῖς ἁγίοις Χριστέ, τοῖς πίστει σε ποθήσασι! διὰ σοῦ γὰρ πλουτισθέντες τὰ θεῖα, ἰαμάτων ποταμούς, ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἀναβλύζουσι, καὶ ξηραίνουσι, διεκχύσεις τῶν παθῶν ἡμῶν.
O Christ our God, You are wondrous * in all Your Saints, who with faith longed for You with ardent love. * For through You they were made rich with divine gifts, * and they gush forth in the world the mighty streams of healings and cures, * and they stanch the flow * of the passions that infect our souls. [SD]
Σταυροθεοτοκίον.
Stavrotheotokion.
Νενοσηκότας Παρθένε, τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ ἡμᾶς, ἰάτρευσας κυήσασα, τὸν Σωτῆρα ἰατρόν τε τῶν ὅλων, καὶ ἐν ξύλῳ τοῦ Σταυροῦ, τραυματισθέντα Ἄχραντε, τὸν παρέχοντα, ἀφθαρσίαν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ἡμῶν.
We were very sick, O Virgin, * because of sin, but indeed you cured us by your giving birth * to the Savior and Physician of all mankind. * He was crucified for us and wounded, O immaculate One, * and He grants our souls * incorruption and eternal life. [SD]
Κανὼν τῆς Θεοτόκου. Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.
Canon for the Theotokos. Why reject me, Your servant.
Ἀπειράνδρως Παρθένε, τὸν ἀπεριόριστον φύσει θεότητος, ἀνδρωθέντα Λόγον, διʼ ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους συνέλαβες, ἐξ αἱμάτων Κόρη, παρθενικῶν διαπλασθέντα, ὑπέρ λόγον καὶ νόμον τῆς φύσεως.
While remaining a virgin, * you conceived the Logos who became a man for us. * Maiden, He was fashioned * in your virginal blood, yet as God remained * undefined in nature, * in ways transcending human reason * and the laws of created nature as well. [SD]
Ὡραιώθης Παρθένε, τοῖς τῆς παρθενίας σου ἀχράντοις κάλλεσι, καὶ τῆς πρώτης Εὔας, περιέστειλας αἶσχος τὸ δύσμορφον, τὸν Χριστὸν τεκοῦσα, περιβολὴν ἀθανασίας, χαριζόμενον τοῖς σὲ γεραίρουσι.
You are splendid in beauty * and the most pure loveliness of your virginity. * Modestly you covered * the unsightly disgrace of our Mother Eve, * giving birth to Christ God, * who gives to those who now extol you * immortality’s vesture, O Virgin pure. [SD]
Ἀληθῆ Θεοτόκον, πάντες ἐπιγνόντες σε πάναγνε Δέσποινα, τὸν ἐκ σοῦ τεχθέντα, Θεὸν Λόγον εἰδότες κηρύττομεν, ἐν δυσὶν οὐσίαις, θελητικαῖς αὐτεξουσίαις, ὑπὲρ λόγον καὶ νόμον τῆς φύσεως.
We profess it, O Lady, * that you are the very Theotokos, for we know * and declare, O pure one, * that indeed God the Logos was born of you. * He is in two natures, * each with the faculty of free will, * in a way passing reason and nature’s laws. [SD]
Οἱ σὲ τεῖχος πλουτοῦντες, καὶ τῇ προστασίᾳ σου περιφρουρούμενοι, τῇ σῇ θείᾳ δόξῃ, ἐγκαυχώμενοι σὲ μακαρίζομεν· σὺ γὰρ Παναγία, τὴν τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν πηγάζεις, εὐφροσύνην καὶ τὴν ἀγαλλίασιν.
Having you as our fortress, * we are rich and sheltered by your mighty patronage; * and we call you blessed, * as we boast in the glory you have from God. * O all-holy Virgin, * you are the source of our rejoicing, * and our souls are exultant because of you. [SD]
ᾨδὴ Ϛʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode vi. Heirmos.
Νοτίου θηρὸς ἐν σπλάγχνοις, παλάμας Ἰωνᾶς, σταυροειδῶς διεκπετάσας, τὸ σωτήριον πάθος, προδιετύπου σαφῶς· ὅθεν τριήμερος ἐκδύς, τὴν ὑπερκόσμιον ἀνάστασιν ὑπεζωγράφησε, τοῦ σαρκὶ προσπαγέντος Χριστοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τριημέρῳ ἐγέρσει, τὸν κόσμον φωτίσαντος.
In the belly of the sea beast * the prophet Jonah prayed with his arms extended crosswise; * thus he clearly prefigured the saving Passion of Christ. * When after three days he emerged, * he was depicting the supernal resurrection from the dead * of Christ God, who was physically nailed to the Cross * and by His third-day arising illumined the universe. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Σταυρὸς ἐπάγη ἐν τόπῳ, Κρανίου μέσον γῆς, καὶ τὴν ἐν μέσῳ Παραδείσου, ἐκβλαστήσασαν ξύλῳ, πληγὴν ἰάσατο· ὁ γὰρ Μεσσίας Ἰησοῦς, μέσον ἀνόμων, μόνος δίκαιος λῃστῶν κρεμάμενος, ἑαυτῷ συνανύψωσεν ἅπαντας, καὶ τὸν ἐξ ὕψους πεσόντα, εἰς χάος ἀπέῤῥιψε.
The Cross was planted on Calvary in the midst of the earth. * It was the healing of the wounding * that came from the tree in the midst of Paradise of old. * For Jesus Christ was crucified, * the only righteous One, amidst the robbers who were criminals, * and with himself He lifted up everyone * and cast the one had fallen * from heaven into the abyss. [SD]
Τὸ τόξον Χριστὲ ἐντείνας, τοῦ θείου καὶ πανσέπτου, Σταυροῦ ἔῤῥιψας βέλη, κατὰ τοῦ παλαμναίου, τοὺς ἥλους σου τῶν χειρῶν, καὶ ἐγκατέπηξας αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὴν ὀργίλον καὶ παμβέβηλον καρδίαν Δέσποτα, καὶ τελείως αὐτὸν ἐθανάτωσας, καὶ ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ τοὺς θανόντας, Οἰκτίρμον ἐζώωσας.
Your precious and holy Cross and the nails that pierced Your hands, * O Christ, were like a bow and arrows, * which You drew and You aimed at the murderer of man. * You plunged Your arrows that are sharp, * O mighty King, into his angry and accursed heart, O Lord, * and You put him to death monumentally, * and in Your mercy restored life * to those he had put to death. [SD]
Μαρτυρικά.
For the Martyrs.
Αἱμάτων ῥεύσαντα ῥεῖθρα, σωμάτων ἐξ ἁγίων, Ἀθλητῶν ἔσβεσαν πᾶσαν, τῆς εἰδωλομανίας, πυρὰν ἐν Πνεύματι, καὶ Ἐκκλησίας τὰς σεπτάς, αὔλακας ἢρδευσαν, καὶ ἄσταχυν βλαστάνειν ἔπεισαν, σωτηρίου ἐλπίδος καὶ πίστεως, διʼ ὧν ἐκτρέφεται πᾶσα, ψυχὴ θείᾳ χάριτι.
The Martyrs and holy Athletes were slaughtered, and their blood, * poured out like rivers from their bodies, * in the Spirit extinguished pagan sacrificial fires * and irrigated, like divine * furrows, the holy Church of Christ, and helped them to put forth the grain * of the spiritual virtues of hope and faith, * by which is every soul nourished * and saved, by the grace of God. [SD]
Ὑφῆπτον τὸ πῦρ πλειόνως, τῆς γνώμης τῆς ἐνθέου, εὐσεβῶς οἱ Ἀθλοφόροι, ὀπηνίκα ἐνύλῳ, πυρὶ φλογίζεσθαι, πονηροτάτων δικαστῶν, ψήφῳ ἐδίδοντο, καὶ ἄφλεκτοι διεφυλάττοντο, ἐνεργείᾳ καὶ χάριτι Πνεύματος, τοῦ στεφανώσαντος τούτους, νομίμως ἀθλήσαντας.
The all-holy medaled Martyrs further kindled the fire * of their God-inspired purpose, * when the most wicked judges pronounced their sentence on them, * that they should all be burned alive * within the fiery flames. However the Saints were preserved unharmed * by the grace of the Spirit, who crowned them, * for they competed according * to the rules of martyrdom. [SD]
Σταυροθεοτοκίον.
Stavrotheotokion.
Ῥομφαία τὴν σὴν διῆλθε, καρδίαν καθορώσης, σὸν Υἱὸν ἄχραντε Κόρη, ἡπλωμένον ἐν ξύλῳ, καὶ πάθη φέροντα, καὶ λόγχῃ θείαν πλευράν, ἐξορυττόμενον, θελήματι καὶ κατασφάττοντα, ἐν αὐτῇ τὸν πολέμιον δράκοντα· ὅθεν θρηνοῦσα μητρικῶς, τοῦτον ἐμεγάλυνες.
As Symeon had foretold it, a sword pierced through your heart, * O all-immaculate Virgin, * when you witnessed your Son being suspended on the Cross, * and the Passion He underwent, * and how He willingly endured His side to be pierced with a spear, * by which He slew the dragon who warred with Him. * You magnified Him, but also * lamented maternally. [SD]
Κανὼν τῆς Θεοτόκου. Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.
Canon for the Theotokos. Be gracious to me.
Ἐπῆλθε τὸ παντουργόν, ἐπὶ σὲ Πνεῦμα Πανάμωμε, καὶ Λόγος ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐν σοὶ κατεσκήνωσε, καὶ σάρξ ἐχρημάτισεν, ἀνεκδιηγήτως, διαμείνας ἀναλλοίωτος.
The omnific Spirit came * on you, O all-blameless Virgin pure, * and then the Logos of God * took up His abode in you; * and He inexplicably * there became incarnate, * while remaining what He was before. [SD]
Ὡς ἔμψυχος κιβωτός, τὸν Νομοθέτην ἐχώρησας, ὡς ἅγιος δὲ ναός, ἐδέξω τὸν Ἅγιον, γενόμενον ἄνθρωπον, ἐπʼ εὐεργεσίᾳ, τῶν ἀνθρώπων Παναμώμητε.
O Virgin, we call you Ark: * in you the Law-giver was contained; * and holy Temple as well: you received the Holy One, * when in you, all-blameless one, * He became incarnate, * for the good of all humanity. [SD]
Κυρίαν σε τοῦ παντός, καὶ Δέσποιναν ὀνομάζομεν· τὸν ὄντως ὄντα Θεόν, ἀῤῥήτως γὰρ τέτοκας, τὸν πάντα ποιήσαντα, καὶ διακρατοῦντα, καὶ συνέχοντα Πανάμωμε.
Ineffably you gave birth * to Christ who truly is God indeed, * the One who created all, * which He controls and sustains. * And therefore, all-blameless one, * we call you the Lady * and the Mistress of the universe. [SD]
Θεὸν τεχθέντα ἐκ σοῦ, ἐπέγνωμεν Θεονύμφευτε· ὃν ἐξιλέωσαι νῦν, ἡμῖν ὡς ἰσχύουσα, τοῖς πίστει κραυγάζουσι, δωρηθῆναι λύσιν, τῶν πταισμάτων Παναμώμητε.
The God, that we know, was born * from you, O all-blameless Bride of God. * And we now believe that you * are able to placate Him * for us who with faith cry out: * “Grant us absolution * of offenses, by Your Mother’s prayers.” [SD]
ᾨδὴ ζʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode vii. Heirmos.
Ἔκνοον πρόσταγμα τυράννου δυσσεβοῦς, λαοὺς ἐκλόνησε, πνέον ἀπειλῆς καὶ δυσφημίας θεοστυγοῦς. Ὅμως τρεῖς Παῖδας οὐκ ἐδειμάτωσε, θυμὸς θηριώδης, οὐ πῦρ βρόμιον· ἀλλʼ ἀντηχούντι δροσοβόλῳ πνεύματι, πυρὶ συνόντες ἔψαλλον· Ὁ ὑπερύμνητος, τῶν πατέρων καὶ ἡμῶν, Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ.
The impious tyrant’s preposterous decree disturbed the populace, * breathing threats and blasphemous pronouncements hateful to God. * His brutal anger did not intimidate * the three Servants, nor did the consuming fire. * But when the dew-laden breeze whistled against the fire, they joined it and together sang, * “Blessed are You, O Lord. You are highly praised, O God, the God of our fathers.” [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Ὅτε ἐφήπλωσαι ἐν ξύλῳ τοῦ Σταυροῦ, καθάπερ ἄμπελος, Λόγε τοῦ Πατρός, γλεῦκος ἀπέσταξας μυστικόν, παύων τὴν μέθην τῆς παραβάσεως, καὶ πάντας εὐφραίνων, τοὺς εἰδότας σε, Θεὸν καὶ Κτίστην, ἑκουσίως πάσχοντα, καὶ σῴζοντα τοὺς ψάλλοντας· Ὁ ὑπερύμνητος, τῶν πατέρων καὶ ἡμῶν, Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ.
When You were crucified and hung upon the Cross, O God the Father’s Word, * like a vine of grapes, You dripped the sweetest mystical wine, * ending the drunkenness of ancestral sin, * and gladdening all who know You to be * God the Creator, who has suffered willingly * and saves all those who sing to You: * “Blessed are You, O Lord. You are highly praised, O God, the God of our fathers.” [SD]
Σταύρωσιν ἤνεγκας Χριστέ μου Ἰησοῦ, τὴν ἐπονείδιστον, παύων τὰ βροτῶν, πάντα ὀνείδη καὶ στεναγμούς· χολῆς ἐγεύσω πικρίαν ἅπασαν, ἐξαίρων κακίας· ἐπλήγης ἡμῶν, πληγὰς Οἰκτίρμον, ψυχικὰς ἰώμενος, καὶ ψάλλειν προτρεπόμενος· Ὁ ὑπερύμνητος, τῶν πατέρων καὶ ἡμῶν, Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ.
You, my sweet Jesus Christ, accepted the disgrace of being crucified, * ending the disgrace and all the sighs of humanity. * You tasted gall, removing all bitterness * of immoral vice. O compassionate Lord, * when You were struck, Your wounds healed the wounds of our souls. * And so You have inspired us to sing: * “Blessed are You, O Lord. You are highly praised, O God, the God of our fathers.” [SD]
Μαρτυρικά.
For the Martyrs.
Πόνοις τὴν ἄπονον γενναῖοι Ἀθληταί, ζωὴν ἐκτήσασθε· ὅθεν τοὺς ἡμῶν, πόνους κουφίζετε παντελῶς, χάριν λαβόντες ἐξ ὕψους ἔνδοξοι, ἰᾶσθαι τὰ πάθη, καὶ πνεύματα, ἀποδιώκειν, καὶ πιστῶν προΐστασθαι, καὶ σῴζειν τοὺς κραυγάζοντας· Ὁ ὑπερύμνητος, τῶν πατέρων καὶ ἡμῶν, Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ.
Valorous Martyr Saints, through labors you obtained the painless life with God. * Now you can relieve our pain and end all our suffering. * Grace from on high was given to you to heal * and cure every illness, and to drive away * the evil spirits, and to guard and save from harm * the faithful all who sing aloud: * “Blessed are You, O Lord. You are highly praised, O God, the God of our fathers.” [SD]
Ἔστητε Μάρτυρες πρὸ βήματος Χριστόν, ἀνακηρύττοντες, σάρκα διʼ ἡμᾶς, ἀναλαβόντα δίχα φθορᾶς· καὶ μιμηταὶ τῶν παθῶν αὐτοῦ δεικνύμενοι ὄντως, πυρὸς κάκωσιν, ὑπέστητε, καὶ πᾶσαν ἄλλην, βάσανον ἠνέγκατε, ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ ψάλλοντες· Ὁ ὑπερύμνητος, τῶν πατέρων καὶ ἡμῶν, Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ.
Martyrs, you stood before tribunals and confessed your faith in Jesus Christ: * that He took on flesh without corruption to save mankind. * You bore the torment of being burned alive * and all the other tortures that you endured, * as imitators of the Savior’s suffering; * and with exultant joy you sang: * “Blessed are You, O Lord. You are highly praised, O God, the God of our fathers.” [SD]
Σταυροθεοτοκίον.
Stavrotheotokion.
Λύπης πεπλήρωμαι ὁρῶσά σε Υἱέ, ἀδίκως πάσχοντα· τέτρωμαι ψυχήν, λόγχῃ τρωθέντος σου τὴν πλευράν· ἡ Θεοτόκος ἐβόᾳ κλαίουσα, καὶ ὀδυρομένη, μόνη Δέσποινα· ἣν ἐπαξίως, πάντες μακαρίζομεν, καὶ εὐσεβῶς κραυγάζομεν· Ὁ ὑπερύμνητος, τῶν πατέρων καὶ ἡμῶν, Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἶ.
“Sorrow has filled me, as I see You, O my Son, unjustly suffering. * When Your side was pierced, the spear was wounding my soul as well.” * So did our only Lady, the Mother of God, * cry out, as she wept lamenting mournfully. * Now we all call her blessed, as is right to do, and solemnly we sing to her Son: * “Blessed are You, O Lord. You are highly praised, O God, the God of our fathers.” [SD]
Κανὼν τῆς Θεοτόκου. Θεοῦ συγκατάβασιν.
Canon for the Theotokos. The fire in Babylon.
Ἰδοὺ νῦν πεπλήρωται, Δαυῒδ τοῦ θείου ἡ θεία πρόῤῥησις· λιτανεύουσιν ὄντως, τῷ σῷ προσώπῳ θεογεννῆτορ Ἁγνή, οἱ κεκτημένοι τὸν πλοῦτον τῆς χάριτος, καὶ εὐλογοῦντες Θεόν, τὸν τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν.
Behold, now the prophecy * of divine David has been fulfilled indeed. * O all-pure Theotokos, * your faithful people who have the richness of grace * entreat your favor with gifts, and they cry aloud * and sing, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]
Νῦν πάντα πεπλήρωται, φωτὸς τοῦ θείου διὰ σοῦ Πάναγνε· σὺ γὰρ πύλη ἐφάνης, διʼ ἧς τῷ κόσμῳ Θεὸς ὡμίλησε, καταφωτίζων τοὺς πίστει κραυγάζοντας· Εὐλογητός ὁ Θεός, ὁ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν.
Through you now, O Virgin pure, * has all creation been filled with light divine. * For through you, as a gateway, * did God come down and associate with the world, * and He illumined the faithful who cry aloud * and sing, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]
Λυτρούμενοι Πάναγνε, τῷ θείῳ τόκῳ τῆς παρθενίας σου, τῶν δεσμῶν τοῦ θανάτου, καὶ τῆς κατάρας τοῦ πρωτοπλάστου Ἀδάμ, σὲ Θεοτόκον φρονοῦντες κραυγάζομεν· Εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεός, ὁ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν.
Redeemed from the bonds of death * by God, your Son born of your virginity, * who has also released us * from the curse on Adam the first created man, * we rightly call you the Mother of God, and sing * to Him, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]
Κυρίαν σε Δέσποιναν, καὶ Θεοτόκον πάντες δοξάζομεν· διὰ σοῦ γὰρ ὁ Πλάστης, τὴν σωτηρίαν τῇ φύσει πάσῃ σαφῶς ἐβράβευσε· καὶ διὰ τοῦτο συμφώνως κραυγάζομεν· Εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεός, ὁ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν.
We all glorify you now, * all-blessed Lady and Virgin Mother of God, * for through you our Creator * granted salvation to human nature all; * and for this reason, we cry out in unison * and sing, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]
ᾨδὴ ηʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode viii. Heirmos.
Εὐλογεῖτε Παῖδες, τῆς Τριάδος ἰσάριθμοι, δημιουργὸν Πατέρα Θεόν· ὑμνεῖτε τὸν συγκαταβάντα Λόγον, καὶ τὸ πῦρ εἰς δρόσον μεταποιήσαντα· καὶ ὑπερυψοῦτε, τὸ πᾶσι ζωὴν παρέχον, Πνεῦμα πανάγιον εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
You three pious Servants, * same in number as the Trinity, * bless God the Father, Maker of all; * sing a hymn to the Word who condescended * and who changed the fire in the furnace into dew; * as for the all-holy Spirit, who gives life to all, exalt Him * beyond measure unto the ages. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Εὐλογεῖτε ξύλον, διʼ οὗ πᾶσα ἠφάνισται, ἡ ἐν Ἐδὲμ δολία ἀρά, φυεῖσα βρώσει πονηρᾷ τοῦ ξύλου· καὶ Χριστὸς ὑψοῦται ὁ ὑπεράγαθος, ὁ ἀνυψωθῆναι, ἐν τούτῳ ἐθελουσίως, αἱρετισάμενος διʼ εὐσπλαγχνίαν.
Bless the Tree, O people, * for by it the entire curse, that was in Eden caused by deceit * and sinful eating from the tree, was lifted. * And highly exalted is Christ our most good God, * who had voluntarily chosen to be exalted * on it to save us all in His compassion. [SD]
Ἱερῶς ἐδήλου, ἐναλλὰξ ὁ ἀοίδιμος, ἐπευλογῶν ἐγγόνους ποτέ, τὸν τύπον τοῦ ἡγιασμένου ξύλου· διʼ οὗ εὐλογία πᾶσι δεδώρηται, τοῖς κατηραμένοις, κακίστῃ τοῦ ξύλου βρώσει, καὶ ὀλισθήσασι κακῶν εἰς βάθη.
When that famous Jacob * crossed his arms as he blessed the sons of Joseph, he prefigured the Tree, * the holy Cross of Christ, by which the blessing * was given to all who had come under the curse * because of illicit eating from the tree in Eden, * and who had slipped into the depths of evils. [SD]
Ἀνορθοῦται ἅπαν, τὸ ἀνθρώπινον Δέσποτα, σοῦ ὀρθωθέντος ἐπὶ τοῦ Σταυροῦ, καὶ στῖφος, πίπτει πονηρῶν δαιμόνων, καὶ τὰ διεστῶτα ἕνωσιν δέχεται, καὶ ὑπερυψοῦται, τὸ κράτος τῆς ἐξουσίας, καὶ τῆς δυναστείας σου εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
Since You have been lifted * on the Cross, all the human race * has been restored and lifted, O Lord; * and fallen is the horde of wicked demons; * and again united are what had been disjoined. * Exalted beyond measure is the might of Your power * and Your authority, unto the ages. [SD]
Μαρτυρικά.
For the Martyrs.
Μακαρίαν δόξαν, καὶ τρυφὴν ἀδαπάνητον, καὶ φωταυγῆ σκηνώματα, νῦν κληροῦσθε θεῖοι Ἀθληταὶ Κυρίου, καὶ σὺν οὐρανίαις ἑνοῦσθε τάξεσι, καὶ τῶν ἀοιδίμων, ἐλπίδων ὑμῶν τὸ πέρας, νῦν κατειλήφατε ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ.
Holy martyr Athletes * of the Lord, you have now obtained * the blessed glory, and the delight * unending, and those most luminous dwellings, * and you are united with the celestial hosts. * You have now attained the fulfillment of your renowned hopes, * and you exultantly rejoice in heaven. [SD]
Ἡ ὑμῶν ἀνδρεία, ὑπὲρ ἥλιον ἔλαμψε, φωτοειδεῖς Χριστοῦ Ἀθληταί, καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν τοῦ διαβόλου πλάνην, θεϊκῇ δυνάμει ἐναπημαύρωσε, καὶ πιστῶν καρδίας, Μάρτυρες εὐσεβοφρόνων, ἐφωταγώγησεν εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
O luminous Athletes * who competed for Christ our God, * your valor was brighter than the sun; * by God’s grace, it indeed obliterated * every diabolical and deceptive ruse; * and throughout the ages, O Martyrs, it has illumined * and guided hearts and minds of true believers. [SD]
Σταυροθεοτοκίον.
Stavrotheotokion.
Νοητὴν νεφέλην, καὶ σκηνὴν ἁγιάσματος, θρόνον Θεοῦ καὶ πύλην, φωτὸς λυχνίαν καὶ ἀνατολὴν τοῦ Λόγου, οἱ πιστοί σε πάντες κατονομάζομεν, πάναγνε Παρθένε, τοῦ πάντα τεκτηναμένου, Μήτηρ ὑπάρχουσα εὐλογημένη.
Ever-blessed Mother * of the One who designed and made * the universe, O Virgin all-pure, * we faithful now figuratively call you * shining cloud and tabernacle of holiness, * throne of God and East Gate, the lampstand of the divine light, * and the daybreak that brought forth God the Logos. [SD]
Κανὼν τῆς Θεοτόκου. Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.
Canon for the Theotokos. The tyrant king.
Φωτὸς ἀδύτου γέγονας, ἐνδιαίτημα Πάναγνε, ταῖς τῆς παρθενίας, καλλοναῖς ἀστράπτουσα, καὶ πάντας κατηύγασας, τοὺς Θεοτόκον σε ἀληθῆ, καθομολογοῦντας, ἐκ ψυχῆς καὶ βοῶντας· Οἱ παῖδες εὐλογεῖτε, ἱερεῖς ἀνυμνεῖτε, λαὸς ὑπερυψοῦτε, Χριστὸν εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
O pure one, you became the home * of the Light that will never set, * glowing as you are with beauty of virginity; * and you have illumined all * who have wholeheartedly confessed * that you are indeed the Theotokos, and cry out: * “You Servants, now extol Him; * O you priests and you peoples, * supremely now exalt Him, unto all the ages.” [SD]
Λόγον Θεοῦ τὸν ἄναρχον, καὶ Πατρὶ συννοούμενον, τὸν ἐκ τοῦ μὴ ὄντος, πατρικῷ βουλήματι, τὸ πᾶν συστησάμενον, θεοπρεπῶς γεγέννηκας, σάρκα γεγονότα, διʼ ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους· διό σε Θεοτόκον, ὀρθοδόξως φρονοῦμεν, Χριστὸν ὑπερυψοῦντες, εἰς πάντας τοὺς αἰῶνας.
We Orthodox consider you * Theotokos, for you gave birth * in a godly manner to the Son and Word of God, * when He for the sake of man * became incarnate. He is known * with the Father, by whose will He made out of nothing * the universe. And therefore, O Virgin, we extol you, * exalting Christ supremely, unto all the ages. [SD]
Ἱερωτέρα πέφηνας, Θεοτόκε πανάμωμε, τῆς ὑπερκοσμίου, τῶν Ἀγγέλων τάξεως· τῶν τούτων γὰρ τέτοκας, δημιουργὸν καὶ Κύριον, ἐκ παρθενικῆς, ἀπειρογάμου νηδύος, ἐν δύο ταῖς οὐσίαις, ἀσυγχύτως ἀτρέπτως, μιᾷ δὲ ὑποστάσει, Θεὸν σεσαρκωμένον.
O Theotokos, you appear * to be higher and holier * than celestial orders and angelic ranks on high, * as you are the Mother of * their Lord and Maker, for you gave birth * from your ever virgin and immaculate body * to Him in dual natures, without change nor confusion, * in one and the same person, our God become incarnate. [SD]
Νενεκρωμένην Πάναγνε, τὴν ψυχήν μου τοῖς πταίσμασι, καὶ κατεφθαρμένην, ἰοβόλοις δήγμασι, Θεὸν τὸν δυνάμενον, ζωοποιεῖν τὰ σύμπαντα, ἡ ἀπειρογάμως, ὑπὲρ φύσιν τεκοῦσα, ἀνάστησον βοῶσαν· Ἱερεῖς εὐλογεῖτε, λαὸς ὑπερυψοῦτε, Χριστὸν εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
O Virgin pure, my sorry soul * has been injured by poison darts, * and it has been deadened by the sins that I commit. * Revive it, I beg of you, * who supernaturally conceived * without seed and bore the only God who can quicken * all things, and I will cry out, “O you priests and you peoples, * supremely now exalt Christ, unto all the ages.” [SD]
ᾨδὴ θʹ. Ὁ Εἱρμός.
Ode ix. Heirmos.
Ὁ διὰ βρώσεως τοῦ ξύλου, τῷ γένει προσγενόμενος θάνατος, διὰ Σταυροῦ κατήργηται σήμερον· τῆς γὰρ προμήτορος ἡ παγγενής, κατάρα διαλέλυται, τῷ βλαστῷ τῆς ἁγνῆς Θεομήτορος· ἢν πᾶσαι αἱ δυνάμεις, τῶν οὐρανῶν μεγαλύνουσι.
Eating the tree’s forbidden fruit once * in Paradise brought death to the human race. * But through the Cross, today death has no effect, * because the curse that fell on the entire human race through mother Eve * was undone by the Offspring of the all pure Mother of God, who now is by all the hosts of heaven magnified. [SD]
Τροπάρια.
Troparia.
Ἱερωτάτως σε ὑψοῦντες, Οἰκτίρμον προσκυνοῦμέν σου λόγχην τε, καὶ τὸν Σταυρὸν τὸν σπόγγον τὸν κάλαμον, καὶ τοὺς χερσὶ παγέντας καὶ ποσίν, ἁγίους ἥλους Δέσποτα· διʼ ὧν εὕρομεν τελείαν ἄφεσιν, καὶ τῆς ἐν Παραδείσῳ, διαγωγῆς ἠξιώθημεν.
With sacred hymns we now exalt You, * O tender-loving Lord, and we venerate * Your saving Passion’s sanctified Instruments: * the precious Cross, the reed, the sponge, the spear, * the nails that pierced Your hands and feet; * for by means of these we have obtained complete * forgiveness and are granted * to live forever in Paradise. [SD]
Ὢ πῶς ἀδίκως κατεκρίθης, παγῆναι δικαιότατε μόνε, πάντων Βασιλεῦ ἐν ξύλῳ σταυρούμενος, τοῦ δικαιῶσαι πάντας ἐκζητῶν, τοὺς πίστει τὰ παθήματα, τὰ ἑκούσια καὶ τὴν οἰκονομίαν σου, δοξάζοντας ἀπαύστως, καὶ σὲ ἀεὶ μεγαλύνοντας.
Oh, how unjustly You were sentenced * to death and were condemned to be crucified, * O only King of all and most righteous Lord. * But you endured it, for You sought * to vindicate all those who with faith * unceasingly praise You and glorify * Your voluntary Passion * and Your divine plan to save the world. [SD]
Μαρτυρικά.
For the Martyrs.
Σῶμα προδόντες ταῖς βασάνοις, οἱ Μάρτυρες οἱ ἔνδοξοι ἤνεγκαν, τοὺς αἰκισμοὺς τὸν βίαιον θάνατον, τὰς ἐκτομὰς μελῶν τοὺς σπαραγμούς, πυρός τε τὴν κατάφλεξιν, τῷ πρὸς Κύριον φίλτρῳ πυρούμενοι· διὸ στεφανηφόροι, ἐν οὐρανοῖς πολιτεύονται.
The holy Martyrs were on fire * with love for God, and thus they delivered up * their bodies to be tortured, and they endured * the mutilations, being burnt in fires, and dismemberment, * and a violent death, for which they received * awards and crowns of glory. * And now they live in the heavenly realm. [SD]
Ἡ Ἀποστόλων καὶ Μαρτύρων, γλυκύτης ταῖς εὐχαῖς αὐτῶν πάντων ἡμῶν, τὰς εὐχάς ὡς Εὔσπλαγχνος πλήρωσον, ἁμαρτημάτων λύσιν καὶ δεινῶν, παρέχων ἀπολύτρωσιν, καὶ τῆς σῆς Βασιλείας ἀξίωσον, Χριστὲ Θεὲ τῶν ὅλων, ὁ διʼ ἡμᾶς ὀφθεὶς ἄνθρωπος.
For the Apostles and the Martyrs, * You are sweetness, O compassionate Savior Christ. * By their entreaties please answer all our prayers. * Grant us remission of our every sin, * and rescue us from tragedies. * God of all who appeared as a man for us, * we pray You, make us worthy * of Your heavenly kingdom and rule. [SD]
Σταυροθεοτοκίον.
Stavrotheotokion.
Φωτοειδὴς παστὰς ὠράθης, Παρθένε τοῦ οἰκήσαντός σου τὴν ἄφθορον, νηδὺν καὶ πάθος μακάριον, καθυπομείναντος ἐθελοντί, καὶ πᾶσι τὴν ἀπάθειαν, παρασχόντος διʼ ἄφατον ἔλεος· ὃν πίστει προσκυνοῦντες, σὲ εὐσεβῶς μεγαλύνομεν.
You are the splendid bridal chamber * of Him who dwelt within your immaculate * and holy womb, O Virgin, and who endured * the blessed Passion of His own accord * and granted dispassion to all, * in His mercy, divine and ineffable. * We faithfully adore Him, * and you we piously magnify. [SD]
Κανὼν τῆς Θεοτόκου. Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.
Canon for the Theotokos. The heavens were astounded.
Νικῶσαν τὰς αἱρέσεις νεανικῶς, τὴν σεπτὴν Ἐκκλησίαν ἀνάδειξον, ἣν ὁ Χριστός, αἵματι τιμίῳ τῷ ἑαυτοῦ, ὡς ἀγαθὸς ἐκτήσατο, Κεχαριτωμένη ὁ σὸς Υἱός· καὶ σῶσον ἐκ κινδύνων, καὶ τῆς ἐπικρατείας, τῆς κατεχούσης ἡμᾶς Δέσποινα.
O Virgin full of grace, Jesus Christ your Son, * being good, has obtained by His precious blood the holy Church. * Grant that she may vigorously prevail * against all wicked heresies, * and that they be vanquished once and for all. * And save us from all dangers; * and rescue us, O Lady, * from the ungodly who would govern us. [SD]
Ῥιφθέντας οὐρανίου διαγωγῆς, καὶ πεσόντας ἀθλίως εἰς θάνατον, πάλιν ἡμᾶς, Μήτηρ γενομένη τοῦ Λυτρωτοῦ, ἀνεκαλέσω Πάναγνε, καὶ πρὸς τὴν ἀρχαίαν πάλιν δραμεῖν, ἠξίωσας πατρίδα· διό σε Θεοτόκε, ἀκαταπαύστως μεγαλύνομεν.
Evicted from that heavenly way of life, * we had wretchedly fallen from life and had succumbed to death. * Mother of the Savior, you called us back * from exile, O immaculate * Lady, and you granted us to return * to the primeval homeland. * We therefore magnify you, * O Theotokos, in unceasing song. [SD]
Ῥαδίως Θεοτόκε διαπερᾷν, τὸν τοῦ βίου παράσχου μοι κλύδωνα, τῶν πειρασμῶν, τὰς ἐπαναστάσεις καὶ τῶν παθῶν, ὡς ἀγαθὴ πραΰνουσα, καὶ καθοδηγοῦσα πρὸς ἀρετῆς, οὐράνιον πορείαν, ὅπως ὡς εὐεργέτιν, ἀκαταπαύστως μεγαλύνω σε.
O Lady, make it easy for me to pass * through the turbulent waves of the present life, since you are good. * Calm the sinful passions when they erupt, * and guide on the spiritual * journey to the virtues and every good, * all-holy Theotokos; * and I will magnify you, * my benefactress, in unceasing song. [SD]
Σωτῆρα ὡς τεκοῦσα καὶ λυτρωτήν, σωτηρίας με Κόρη ἀξίωσον, ἐπιτυχεῖν, Πάναγνε πταισμάτων μου τὰς σειράς, ταῖς σαῖς πρεσβείαις λύουσα· πάντα γὰρ ὡς θέλεις σὺ κατορθοῖς, ὡς φέρουσα ἐν κόλποις, τὸν πάντων Βασιλέα, τὸν ἀγαθότητι ἀσύγκριτον.
Our Savior and Redeemer was born of you, * all-pure Maiden. Through you I will gain salvation of my soul, * if you intercede that I be released * from all offenses binding me. * I know you can do whatever you wish, * since in your arms you carried * the King of all, O Lady, * who is unmatched in His benevolence. [SD]
Εἰς τὸν Στίχον τῶν Αἴνων.
At the Aposticha of Lauds.
Ἀπόστιχα Στιχηρά. Ἦχος πλ. δʹ. Σταυρώσιμα.
Aposticha. Mode pl. 4. For the Cross.
Τοῦ Μωϋσέως ἡ ῥάβδος, τὸν τίμιον Σταυρόν σου, προετύπου Σωτὴρ ἡμῶν· ἐν αὐτῷ γὰρ σῴζεις, ὡς ἐκ βυθοῦ θαλάσσης, τὸν λαόν σου Φιλάνθρωπε.
The rod of Moses prefigured Your precious Cross, O our Savior. For by means thereof You save Your people as from the depth of the sea, O benevolent Lord. [SD]
Στίχ. Ἐνεπλήσθημεν τὸ πρωΐ τοῦ ἐλέους σου, Κύριε, καὶ ἠγαλλιασάμεθα καὶ εὐφράνθημεν ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἡμῶν· εὐφρανθείημεν ἀνθʼ ὧν ἡμερῶν ἐταπείνωσας ἡμᾶς, ἐτῶν, ὧν εἴδομεν κακά. Καὶ ἴδε ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους σου καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ ἔργα σου καὶ ὁδήγησον τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτῶν.
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]
Αὐτόμελον.
Automelon.
Ὁ ἐν Ἐδὲμ Παράδεισός ποτε, τὸ ξύλον τῆς γνώσεως, ἀνεβλάστησεν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν φυτῶν· ἡ Ἐκκλησία σου Χριστέ, τὸν Σταυρόν σου ἐξήνθησε, τὸν πηγάσαντα τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν· ἀλλὰ τὸ μὲν ἐθανάτωσε, βρώσει φαγόντα τὸν Ἀδάμ, τὸ δὲ ἐζωοποίησε, πίστει σωθέντα τὸν Λῃστήν· οὗ τῆς ἀφέσεως, κοινωνοὺς ἡμᾶς ἀνάδειξον, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, ὁ τῷ πάθει σου λύσας, τὴν καθʼ ἡμῶν μανίαν τοῦ ἐχθροῦ, καὶ ἀξίωσον ἡμᾶς, τῆς βασιλείας σου Κύριε.
The paradise of Eden once produced the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the midst of all the plants. * Whereas the holy Church, O Christ, now has brought forth Your precious Cross, * gushing forth eternal life into the world. * But while the one brought on Adam’s death when he had taken it for food, * the other gave the Robber life * when for believing he was saved. * Make us partakers of the forgiveness he received from You, O Christ, * who by Your Passion ended the frenzy aimed against us of the foe; * and, O Lord, account us worthy of inheriting Your heavenly Rule. [SD]
Στίχ. Καὶ ἔστω ἡ λαμπρότης Κυρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καὶ τὰ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν ἡμῶν κατεύθυνον ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καὶ τὸ ἔργον τῶν χειρῶν ἡμῶν κατεύθυνον.
Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]
Μαρτυρικόν. Αὐτόμελον.
For the Martyrs. Automelon.
Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν Ἅγιοι; Χερουβίμ; ὅτι ὑμῖν ἐπανεπαύσατο Χριστός. Σεραφίμ; ὅτι ἀπαύστως ἐδοξάσατε αὐτόν. Ἀγγέλους; τὸ γὰρ σῶμα ἀπεστράφητε. Δυνάμεις; ἐνεργεῖτε ἐν τοῖς θαύμασι. Πολλὰ ὑμῶν τὰ ὀνόματα, καὶ μείζονα τὰ χαρίσματα, πρεσβεύσατε, τοῦ σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.
What are we to call you, O holy ones? * Cherubim, inasmuch as Christ has found repose in you. * Seraphim, for without ceasing you were glorifying Him. * Or Angels, from the body you had turned away. * Or Powers, you are active doing miracles. * Your names are many, and greater are * the spiritual gifts that you received. * So intercede, we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [SD]
Δόξα· καὶ νῦν. Σταυροθεοτοκίον. Αὐτόμελον.
Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. Automelon.
Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου θαύματος! ὢ μυστηρίου φρικτοῦ! ὁ τῇ φύσει ἀθάνατος, πῶς ἐν ξύλῳ κρέμαται; πῶς θανάτου νῦν γεύεται; πῶς κατακρίνεται ὁ ἀνεύθυνος; Κρῦψον τὸ φῶς σου, καὶ φρῖξον ἥλιε, βλέπων τὸ τόλμημα· ἡ Παρθένος ἔλεγεν ἐν στεναγμοῖς, βλέπουσα σταυρούμενον, Χριστὸν ὃν ἔτεκε.
What a paradoxal miracle; * Oh, awful mystery, oh! * How can He now be crucified * who by nature cannot die? * How can He now be tasting death, * or be convicted, being the guiltless One? * Therefore, O sun, hide your light and stand in awe * seeing the insolence. * Thus the Virgin uttered as she witnessed Christ, * to whom she had given birth, * suspended on the Cross. [SD]
__________
__________
ΕΝ Τῌ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙᾼ
LITURGY
Οἱ Μακαρισμοί. Ἦχος πλ. δʹ.
The Beatitudes. Mode pl. 4.
Μνήσθητι ἡμῶν, Χριστὲ Σωτὴρ τοῦ κόσμου, ὥσπερ τοῦ λῃστοῦ, ἐμνήσθης ἐπὶ ξύλου, καὶ καταξίωσον πάντας μόνε Οἰκτίρμον, τῆς οὐρανίου Βασιλείας σου.
Savior of the world, remember us Your servants * as upon the Cross You remembered the Robber, * only compassionate Christ, and account us worthy * of inheriting Your heavenly Rule. [SD]
Ἔτεινας Χριστέ, παλάμας ἐπὶ ξύλου, καὶ τὰς πονηράς, ἀρχὰς καὶ ἐξουσίας, παρεδειγμάτισας σώσας τῆς τούτων βλάβης, τοὺς εὐσεβῶς σε μεγαλύνοντας.
You spread out Your hands upon the Cross, O Savior, * and You made a spectacle of demonic powers * and principalities; and from their harm You saved us * who magnify You, Christ, with reverence. [SD]
Λόγχῃ κεντηθείς, κρεμάμενος ἐν ξύλῳ, ἔβλυσας ἡμῖν, κρουνοὺς ἀθανασίας, θανατωθεῖσιν ἀφρόνως τῇ παραβάσει· ὅθεν ἐν φόβῳ ἀνυμνοῦμέν σε.
Pierced with a spear while on the Cross, O Savior, * You poured out the streams of immortality, O Master, * to us who died when we had mindlessly disobeyed You. * We now extol You with solemnity. [SD]
Μαρτυρικόν.
For the Martyrs.
Ξένοι τῶν τῆς γῆς, δεικνύμενοι ἡδέων, ξέναις ἑαυτούς, ἐξέδωκαν βασάνοις, οἱ Ἀθληταὶ τραυματίσαντες τὸν Βελίαρ, τοῖς ἑαυτῶν ἁγίοις τραύμασι.
The Martyrs of Christ, those medal-winning Athletes * were strangers to the pleasures of the earth, and delivered * themselves to strange tortures, and by their wounds they wounded * Belial the devil, and defeated him. [SD]
Δόξα.
Glory.
Μίαν τοῦ Πατρός, καὶ Πνεύματος καὶ Λόγου, ἄναρχον ἀρχήν, πιστοὶ δοξολογοῦντες, δεῦτε προσπέσωμεν λύσιν τῶν ἐγκλημάτων, αὐτῷ αἰτοῦντες ὡς Θεῷ ἡμῶν.
Believers, let us bow down and worship and sing glory * to the unoriginate single rule and kingdom * of Father, Logos, and Spirit, our God, entreating * for the forgiveness of offenses all. [SD]
Καὶ νῦν. Σταυροθεοτοκίον.
Both now. Stavrotheotokion.
Τὸν Ἐμμανουήλ, Ἀμνὸν Θεοῦ καὶ Λόγον, βλέπουσα σαρκί, κρεμάμενον ἐν ξύλῳ, Ἀμνὰς ἡ μόνη ἀμίαντος καὶ Παρθένος, λύπῃ συνείχετο δακρύουσα.
The only Virgin pure, who is likened to a ewe-lamb, * saw Emmanuel, the Lamb of God and Logos, * when He was physically crucified of His own will, * and overcome with bitter grief she wept. [SD]