Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea; The Holy Apostle Andronicus and those with him; Blessed Hieromartyr Ivan Ziatyk.
First Antiphon
Clap your hands, all you nations;* shout to God with the voice of joy.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
For the Lord most high is awesome,* a great king over all the earth.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
He has subdued peoples to us,* and nations under our feet.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
God ascended amid shouts of joy;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save, us.
Glory… Now… Only-Begotten Son…
Third Antiphon
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord,* let us acclaim God, our Saviour.
Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Let us come before His face with praise,* and acclaim Him in psalms.
Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
For God is the great Lord,* the great king over all the earth.
Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Entrance
Come, let us worship* and fall down before Christ.
Son of God, who ascended in glory,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 6: Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,* glory be to You!
Troparion, Tone 4: You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through your blessing* that You are the Son of God,* the Redeemer of the world.
Troparion, Tone 8: Christ our God, You are glorified above all,* You established our fathers as beacons on earth* and through them guided all of us to the true faith.* Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 8: The apostles’ preaching and the Fathers’ doctrine* confirmed the Church’s one faith,* and wearing the garment of truth* woven from theology that descends from on high,* she rightly imparts* the mystery of godliness* and sings its glory.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 6: When you had fulfilled Your plan for us* and united things on earth with those in heaven,* You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* in no way distant, but remaining inseparable,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Blessed are You, Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name forever.
verse: For You are righteous in everything that You have done to us. (Daniel 3:26,27)
Epistle
Acts 20:16-18, 28-36
In those days, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; he was eager to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. When they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire time from the first day that I set foot in Asia.
“Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing. You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed.
Alleluia, Tone 0
verse: The God of gods, the Lord, spoke and summoned the earth from the rising of sun to its setting.
verse: Gather to Him His devout ones, who with sacrifice make covenant with Him. (Psalm 49:1,5)
Gospel
John 17:1-13
At that time, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves.”
Hymn to the Theotokos
O my soul, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.
and the Irmos: O Mother of God,* you transcended both mind and word,* and in time, ineffably bore the Timeless One:* it is you who, with one accord,* we, the faithful, magnify.
Communion Hymn
Praise the Lord from the heavens;* praise Him in the highest. (Psalm 148:1)* Rejoice in the Lord, O you just;* praise befits the righteous. (Psalm 32:1)* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia.
Instead of We have seen the true light we sing:
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, above all the earth be Your glory.
Instead of Let our mouths be filled we sing three times:
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, above all the earth be Your glory.
AT GREAT VESPERS WITH LYTIA ON SATURDAY EVENING
Lytia is prescribed on this Sunday in the Pentecostarion. If Lytia be omitted, the alternate ordering of the Troparia is given below.
Priest: Glory be to the holy, consubstantial, life-creating, and undivided Trinity, always, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You!
Heavenly King, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come, and dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, and O Good One, save our souls.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord* pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your Name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by 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 evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (12)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Come, let us bow in worship before the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship before Christ, the King, our God.
Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ, our King and God.
Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, O my soul! You are very great O Lord, my God;
Clothed in pomp and brilliance; arrayed with light as with a cloak.
Stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth, covering Your lofty halls with water.
You make the clouds Your conveyance. You surge on the wings of the wind.
You make spirits Your messengers, and flaming fires Your attendants.
You settle the earth on its firm foundation; it shall stand unmoved from age to age.
The abyss covers it like a garment; waters stand over the mountains.
At Your rebuke they will take flight; at the peal of Your thunder they will fear.
They hurdle the hills and run down the dales, to the place You have chosen for them.
You have set up a boundary not to be passed; they shall never return to cover the earth.
Down in the gullies You make springs to rise; water shall go down between the mountains.
They shall give drink to the beasts of the field; wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst.
The birds of the sky will abide by them; from among the rocks they will raise their song.
From Your lofty halls You refresh the mountains; the earth shall be fed with the fruit of Your works.
You make green pastures for the cattle and food-plants for the service of all,
So that bread may be brought forth from the earth, and wine that gladdens the heart of man.
So that oil may put a gleam upon his face; and that bread may strengthen the heart of all.
The trees of the plain will be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted.
The sparrows will build their nests in them; and the herons will call them their home.
To the deer belong high mountains, to rodents, the shelter of the rocks.
You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows the time of its setting.
You establish darkness, and it is night wherein the forest creatures prowl around.
Young lions roar for their prey, and call out to God for their meat.
As the sun rises, they will come together, and lay themselves down in their dens.
Man will go out to his labour and work until eventide.
How great are Your works, O Lord, in wisdom You have wrought them all.
The earth is filled with Your creatures. Even the wide and open sea itself, within it there are countless creeping things, living beings small and large.
Upon it there are ships a-sailing, and that great beast You made to have fun.
All of them look up to You, to give them their food in due time.
You provide and they gather up; You open Your hand and they are full.
You hide Your face and they cringe; You suspend their breath, and they die and return to their dust.
You send forth Your breath and they live; You renew the face of the earth.
May the Lord’s glory endure for ever: may the Lord rejoice in His works;
He looks upon the earth and makes it quake; He touches the mountains and they smoke.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will praise my God as long as I last.
Would that my thoughts be pleasing to Him: and I will rejoice in the Lord.
May sinners vanish from the earth, and may the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
The sun knows the time of its setting. You establish darkness, and it is night.
How great are Your works, O Lord, in wisdom You have wrought them all.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Litany of Peace
Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace throughout the world, for the well-being of God’s holy churches and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence, and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the most holy universal Pontiff, (name), the Pope of Rome, our most blessed Patriarch, (name), our most reverend Metropolitan, (name), our God-loving Bishop, (name), for the reverend priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this city, for every city and country and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For favourable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the seafarers and travellers, for the sick and the suffering, for those held captive, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and misfortune, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For all glory, honour, and worship befit You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
First Kathisma
Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly. Alleluia! (3)
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish. Alleluia! (3)
Serve the Lord with fear, exalt in Him with trembling. Alleluia! (3)
Blessed are those who trust in Him! Alleluia! (3)
Arise, O Lord, save me, my God! Alleluia! (3)
Salvation is of the Lord; may Your blessing be upon Your people! Alleluia! (3)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Alleluia! (3)
Now and for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! (3)
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Small Litany
Deacon: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For Yours is the might and Yours are the kingdom, the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Psalm 140
O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me. Hear me, O Lord! O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me. Receive the voice of my prayer when I call upon You. Hear me, O Lord!
Let my prayer rise like incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord!
Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth and a portal around my lips.
Incline my heart away from evil dealings, from finding excuses for sinful deeds.
In company with those who work iniquity, let me not partake of what they choose.
May the just chasten me with justice and reprove me; may the oil of the wicked never touch my head.
Yet even then shall I pray for their welfare. Their rulers were swallowed near the rock.
My words will be heard, for they were sweet. As a lump of clay broken on the ground, so their bones were strewn near the grave.
On You, Lord, O Lord, my eyes are fixed. In You have I trusted; take not my life.
Keep me from the snare that was set for me, and from the stumbling-blocks of the wicked.
The wicked shall fall into their own nets, while I remain alone until I can escape.
Psalm 141
With my voice I cried to the Lord; with all my voice I implored the Lord.
Before Him I pour out my supplications; before Him I declare my distress.
When my breath was escaping me, then You knew my paths;
On the road upon which I was walking, they set up snares for me.
I looked to my right and observed there was no one friendly to me;
Even flight was denied me; there was no one to take care of my life.
I cried out to You, O Lord, and said: You are my hope, my share in the land of the living.
Listen to my supplication, for I am laid very low.
Deliver me from my oppressors, for they have overwhelmed me.
At Psalm 140
Tone 6
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
O Christ, You won the victory over Hades,* You ascended the Cross so that You might raise up with Yourself* all those who dwelt in the darkness of death.* Almighty Saviour, You are free from death* and bestow life by Your divine light.* We, therefore, beseech You to have mercy on us.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
Today Christ has conquered Death.* He has risen from the grave as He had foretold,* bestowing great joy upon the world.* Therefore, let us all lift up our voices and sing:* O Fount of Life, O Light whom no one can approach,* Almighty Saviour, have mercy on us.
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
O Lord, where can we sinners flee from You,* for You are present in all creation?* You are present in heaven, for it is Your dwelling place.* Your power prevails in Hades where You conquered Death.* O Master, Your sustaining hand touches even the depths of the sea.* Where, then, can we take refuge except in You?* We, therefore, prostrate ourselves before You and pray:* O Lord, risen from the dead, have mercy on us.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
The Lord ascended into heaven* to send the Comforter into this world.* The heavens prepared His throne and the clouds were His ladder;* the angels marvelled at the sight of a man more exalted than themselves.* Today, the Father receives again in His bosom* the One who was in Him from all eternity,* and the Holy Spirit gives a command to all the angels:* Lift up your lintels, O you gates!* O you nations of the earth, clap your hands,* for Christ ascends to the place* where He had been from all eternity.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
O Lord, the Cherubim were amazed at Your Ascension;* they were seized with wonder as they beheld You, O God, rising upon the clouds,* for You are the One who is seated above the clouds.* We sing a hymn of praise to You:* Glory to You for Your tender mercy.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
O Christ, splendour and glory of the Father,* when we behold Your Ascension on the holy mountain,* we sing a hymn of praise to the beauty of Your countenance.* We bow down to Your Passion,* we venerate Your holy Resurrection,* and we glorify Your noble Ascension.* O Lord, have mercy on us!
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Before the morning star You were begotten of the Father;* before the ages You were conceived without a mother,* even though Arius believed You to be created, and not God.* He shamelessly confused the Creator with his creatures,* thus deserving eternal punishment.* Yet the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Who has severed Your garment, O Saviour?* It was Arius who divided the Trinity* who is equal in glory and eternal majesty.* For he denied that You are one of the most Holy Trinity.* He taught the transgressing Nestorius* to say that the Virgin is not the Mother of God;* but the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
Declaring that the Light could not be seen,* Arius fell into the pit of the impious ones;* his body was torn apart by the justice of God,* and he gave up his soul in a violent manner.* He was another Judas by his thoughts and deeds.* But the Council of Nicea proclaimed You as the Son of God* who is enthroned with the Father and the Spirit.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
The foolish Arius divided the unity of the Holy Trinity* into three different and unequal substances.* But the God-bearing Fathers came together in Council.* Burning with the zeal of Elijah the Tishbite* and with the sword of the Holy Spirit,* they cut down these shameful blasphemies;* for they were directed by the Spirit.
Glory…
Let us honour today those mystical trumpets of the Spirit,* namely, the God-mantled Fathers,* who speaking of divine things,* sang in the midst of the Church a hymn in unison,* teaching that the Trinity is one,* not differing in substance or Godhead,* refuting Arius and defending the orthodox faith.* They always intercede with the Lord* to have mercy on our souls.
Now…
Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He Who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.
Entrance
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: O gracious King, You love mankind and bless all things. With contrite heart and humble spirit, we pray to You, O Christ our true God: Bless our comings and our goings. For Your coming and ascension and dwelling among us are blessed, always, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
The deacon points eastward with his orarion and says:
Deacon: Master, bless the holy entrance.
Priest: Blessed be the entrance of Your saints, always, now and for ever and ever.
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright!
Hymn of Light
Tranquil Light, of the holy glory of the immortal heavenly, holy blessed Father, O Jesus Christ: as we come upon the sunset, as we see the evening light, we sing to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. At all times You are worthy of being hymned by joyful voices; O Son of God, You are the giver of life. For this the whole world glorifies You.
Prokeimenon
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Priest: Peace be with all.
Deacon: Wisdom! Let us be attentive!
Saturday Evening, Psalm 92, Tone 6
The Lord reigns,* He is clothed in majesty.
- Robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.
- For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
- Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.
Readings
The prescribed readings are taken here. Before each reading, the deacon remains at the closed holy doors.
Deacon: Wisdom!
Lector: A reading from the book of…
Deacon: Let us be attentive!
Readings
(1) Genesis 14:14-20; (2) Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17; (3) Deuteronomy 10:14-21
Lytia, Tone 1
By going up again into heaven from which You had descended,* You did not leave us orphans, O Lord.* Show to all Your people the works of Your power,* that Your Spirit may come down upon us* and bring peace to the world,* O Lord and Lover of Mankind.
Tone 3, Glory…
You were diligent keepers of the Traditions of the apostles,* O holy fathers;* for teaching in orthodox manner the consubtantiality of the Holy Trinity,* as a council you cast down the blasphemy of Arius,* with him denouncing Macedonius, who denied the Spirit;* and you condemned Nestorius, Eutyches and Dioscorus,* Sabellius and Severus the mindless.* Pray that we be delivered from their delusion,* and that our life be kept undefiled in the Faith,* we beseech you.
Tone 6, Now…
O Lord most merciful,* after fulfilling the mystery hidden from all eternity,* You, the Creator and Master of all,* went up to the Mount of Olives with your disciples and your Mother.* For the one who, at the sight of your Passion,* had suffered more than anyone else in her motherly heart,* had more than anyone else the right to share the joy that fills us* as we witness your ascending into heaven.* We glorify your infinite mercy overflowing upon us.
Litany of Supplication
Deacon: Let us all say with our whole soul and our whole mind, let us say:
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Almighty Lord, God of our Fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: We also pray the most holy universal Pontiff, (name), Pope of Rome, our most blessed Patriarch, (name), our most reverend Metropolitan, (name), our God-loving Bishop, (name), for those who serve or have served in this holy church, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Deacon: We also pray for our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Petitions may be added here.
Deacon: We also pray for the people here present who await Your great and bountiful mercies, for those who have been kind to us, and for all orthodox Christians.
All: Lord, have mercy. (3)
Priest: For You are a merciful and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deign, O Lord
Deign, O Lord, to keep us this evening without sin.
Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name for ever. Amen.
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us because we have set our hope in You.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your commandments.
Blessed are You, O Master, make me understand Your commandments.
Blessed are You, O Holy One, enlighten me with Your laws.
O Lord, Your mercy endures forever; do not despise the work of Your hands.
It is proper to praise You, and hymns belong to You.
Glory belongs to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Litany of Supplication
Deacon: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help and save, have mercy, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For the forgiveness and remission of our sins and offenses, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For all that is good and beneficial for our souls and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: That we may spend the rest of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For a Christian end to our lives, one that is painless, unashamed, and peaceful; and for a good defence at the awesome tribunal of Christ, let us ask.
All: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ our God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For You, O God, are gracious and You love mankind, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all of you.
All: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: O Lord our God, You lowered the heavens when You came down for the salvation of the human race. Now look upon Your servants and upon Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads to You, the Judge, both awesome and loving. They do not await human help but look for Your mercy and are ready to receive Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and tonight, against all enemies, against the devil’s assaults, against vain thoughts and evil dreams. May the might of Your kingdom be blessed and exalted, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Lytia
After the Litany of Supplication and the Prayer at the Bowing of Heads, the stichera of Lytia are sung. The royal doors are opened. The priest (vested in phelonion) and bearing the handcross, and the deacon with censer proceed to the narthex (or outside the church) where the deacon censes the icons, the priest, and the people. Then the deacon takes the following Litany. The following is an extended lytia prayer as used in our parish in Ottawa, Ontario and MASI]
Deacon: Save your people, O God, and bless Your inheritance; visit Your world with mercy and compassion; raise up the strength of orthodox Christians and send down upon us Your abundant mercies. Through the prayers of our immaculate Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary; through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the honourable, heavenly, incorporeal powers; of the honourable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John; of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles; and of our fathers among the saints, the great universal teachers and hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; of our father among the saints, Nicholas the Wonderworker, archbishop of Myra in Lycia; of the holy Cyril and Methodius, equals-to-the-apostles, teachers of the Slavs; of the holy right-believing and equal-to-the-apostles grand prince Volodymyr, and of the blessed grand princess Olha. By the prayers of the holy hieromartyr Josaphat, archbishop of Polotsk; of the holy new-martyrs and confessors of Ukraine: the hieromartyrs Nicholas (Charnetsky), exarch and wonderworker of Volhynia, Gregory (Khomyshyn) of Stanyslaviv, Josaphat (Kotsylovsky) of Peremyshl’ and Sambir; Theodore (Romzha) of Mukachevo, Nicetas (Budka), first Exarch of Canada; Basil (Velychkovsky) of Lutsk and elder of Winnipeg; Gregory (Lakota) of Peremyshl’, Ivan (Sleziuk) of Stanyslaviv, and Symeon (Lukach), bishop and passion-bearer; of the hieromartyrs Leonid (Feodorov), exarch of Russia, and Clement (Sheptytsky), archimandrite of Univ; Severian (Baranyk), Joachim (Sen’kivsky) and Vitaly (Bayrak), innocently slain in Drohobych; of the holy passion-bearers Zynoviy (Kovalyk) and Ivan (Ziatyk); of the hieromartyrs Andriy (Ishchak), Mykolai (Tsehelsky), Roman (Lysko), Petro (Verhun) and Oleksii (Zarytsky); of the hieromartyr Emilian (Kovch), pastor of prisoners at Majdanek; the hieromartyr Mykola (Konrad) and the cantor Volodymyr (Pryima), passionbearers of Stradch; of the holy nun-martyrs: Tarsykia (Matskiv), Olimpia (Bida), and Lavrentia (Harasymiv); of Vincent (Levoniuk) and those martyred with him in Pratulin: Nicetas, John, Constantine, Michael, Onuphrius, Philip, Maxim, Daniel, Constantine, Bartholomew, Luke and Ignatius—and all the martyred men and women of the land of Rus’-Ukraine; of the North American martyrs: Jean (de Brébeuf), Noël (Chabanel), Antoine (Daniel), Charles (Gamier), Isaac (Jogues), Gabriel (Lalemant), René (Goupil), and Jean (de Lalande), enlighteners of the Huron-Wendat nation; and of all the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers, Anthony and Theodosius of the Monastery of the Caves at Kyiv; of our venerable father Job, hegumen of Pochaiv, and Makary, archimandrite of Kaniv; of our venerable fathers John Nepomucene (Neumann) of Philadelphia, Damien (De Veuster), the leper of Molokai, François (de Montmorency-Laval), Basile (Moreau), Louis-Zéphirin (Moreau), Frédéric (Janssoone) and brother André of Montreal; of our venerable mother Josaphata (Hordashevska) of Zhuzhelyany; of our venerable mothers of North America: Marguerite (Bourgeoys), Kateri (Tekakwitha), Marie of the Incarnation, Marguerite (d’Youville), Eulalie (Durocher), Marie-Catherine (Simon de Longpré), Dina (Bélanger), Esther (Blondin), Émilie (Tavernier-Gamelin), Marie-Élisabeth (Turgeon) and Marie-Léonie (Paradis); and the venerable mothers Frances (Cabrini), Elizabeth Ann (Bayley Seton), Rose-Philippine (Duchesne), Katharine (Drexel), Anne-Thérèse (Guérin) and Marianne (Cope) of Molokai; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anne; of Saint (name), the patron(ness) of this holy house; of Saint (name), whose memory we keep this night; and of all the saints; we beseech You, O all-merciful Lord, hear us sinners praying to You, and have mercy.
All: Господи, помилуй (Hospody, pomyluy). (12)
Deacon: We also pray for the most holy universal Pontiff (name), Pope of Rome, and for our most blessed Patriarch (name), that the Lord God will grant them health and salvation, ever directing them and assisting them in all they do; and for our most reverend Metropolitan (name), our God-loving Bishop (name), for our spiritual fathers and mothers, and all our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for every Christian soul that is afflicted and maltreated and in need of God’s mercies and help; for the protection of this city, or village; or this holy place, and for those who live here; for the peace and serenity of the whole world; for the welfare of God’s holy Churches; for the salvation and assistance of our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters who, with diligence and in the fear of the Lord, labour and serve; for the repose, blessed memory, and remission of sins of our departed loved ones of the orthodox faith all over the world; for the deliverance of captives; for all those taking part in these holy services, and for all who serve and have served in this holy church, let us pray:
All: Κύριε ελέησον. (Kyrie, eleison). (12)
The practice of always singing Kyrie, eleison (that is, Lord, have mercy, in Greek) in response to this petition for the hierarchy, derives from the fact that the first bishops in Rus’-Ukraine were Greek speaking.
Priest: Hear us, O God our Saviour, hope of all bounds of the earth and those far away at sea. In Your graciousness be merciful to us sinners, O Master. For You are a merciful God and You love mankind, and we glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all!
All: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our your heads to the Lord.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: O most merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, through the prayers of our most pure Lady, the Mother of God, and ever-Virgin Mary; through the might of the precious and life-giving Cross, through the protection of the honourable, heavenly, incorporeal powers; of the honourable, glorious prophet, forerunner, and baptiser, John; of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles (or: of the holy apostle and evangelist (name), and of all the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles); and of our fathers among the saints, the great ecumenical teachers and hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; of our father among the saints, Nicholas the Wonderworker, archbishop of Myra in Lycia; of the holy Cyril and Methodius, equals-to-the-apostles, teachers of the Slavs; of our holy priest-martyr Josaphat, of the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; of our venerable and God-bearing fathers Anthony and Theodosius of the Monastery of the Caves at Kyiv; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anne; through the prayers of Saint (name), the patron(ess) of this Church; of Saint (name), whose memory we celebrate; and of all the saints. Make our prayer acceptable. Grant us remission of our transgressions; protect us with the shadow of Your wings; drive far from us every foe and adversary; and make our life peaceful, O Lord. Have mercy on us and on Your world and save our souls; for You are gracious and You love mankind.
All: Amen.
Aposticha
Tone 6
O Christ our Saviour,* the angels in heaven sing the praises of Your Resurrection;* make us, on earth, also worthy* to extol and glorify You with a pure heart.
The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength.
Almighty God, You destroyed the brazen gates and bars of Hades* and raised up fallen mankind.* Therefore, with one accord, we cry out:* O Lord, risen from the dead, glory to you!
For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.
Christ willed to renew us from our corruption of old* by being nailed to a Cross and placed in a tomb.* When the women came to anoint His body, they tearfully cried out:* O, what sorrow afflicts us!* O Saviour of all, how could You consent to occupy a grave?* If You truly willed this, then why did You allow Your body to be stolen?* How were You removed?* What place now conceals Your life-bearing body?* O Lord, appear to us as You promised* and put an end to our tears.* As they were lamenting, an angel appeared and cried out to them:* Do not weep, but tell the apostles that the Lord is risen,* granting sanctification and great mercy to the world.
Holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days.
O Christ, You were crucified of Your own free will,* and by Your burial You imprisoned Death.* As God, You rose in glory on the third day,* granting life and great mercy to the world.
Tone 4, Glory…
O believers, let us come together today* to celebrate in faith and true worship* the remembrance of the God-inspired Fathers* who had come together from throughout the world,* in the splendid city of Nicea.* They rejected the doctrine of the impious Arius* and banished him from the universal Church* by a decree of the Council.* They instructed all to openly profess the Son of God,* that He is consubstantial and co-eternal with the Father before eternity,* and they clearly wrote this in the Symbol of Faith.* Therefore, following their divine doctrines,* let us worship the Son in true faith,* together with the Father and the Holy Spirit,* the Trinity consubstantial in one Godhead.
Now…
O Lord most merciful,* after fulfilling the mystery hidden from all eternity,* You, the Creator and Master of all,* went up to the Mount of Olives with Your disciples and Your Mother.* For the one who, at the sight of Your Passion,* had suffered more than anyone else in her motherly heart,* had more than anyone else the right to share the joy that fills us* as we witness Your ascending into heaven.* We glorify Your infinite mercy overflowing upon us.
Hymn of Simeon
Now, O Master, You have kept Your promise; let Your servant go in peace. With my own eyes I have seen the salvation which You have prepared in the sight of every people; a Light to reveal You to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people, Israel!
Trisagion Prayers
Lector: Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your Name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven,* hallowed by 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 evil.
Priest: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Troparia, Tone 8
Christ our God, You are glorified above all, You established our fathers as beacons on earth and through them guided all of us to the true faith. Glory to You, most compassionate Lord. (2)
Tone 4
You ascended in glory, O Christ our God;* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God,** the Redeemer of the world.
If Lytia is not served, then these Troparia:
Tone 6
Angelic powers were upon Your tomb* and the guards became like dead men;* Mary stood before Your tomb* seeking Your most pure body.* You captured Hades without being overcome by it.* You met the Virgin and granted life.* O Lord, risen from the dead,** glory to You!
Tone 8, Glory…
Christ our God, You are glorified above all, You established our fathers as beacons on earth and through them guided all of us to the true faith. Glory to You, most compassionate Lord.
Tone 4, Now…
You ascended in glory, O Christ our God;* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God,** the Redeemer of the world.
Blessing of the Loaves, Wine, and Oil
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, our God, as You blessed the five loaves in the wilderness and fed five thousand, so bless these loaves, this wheat, wine, and oil. Make them plentiful in this city and throughout Your world and sanctify the faithful who partake of them. For it is You who bless and sanctify all things, O Christ our God, and we give glory to You with Your beginningless Father and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord, now and for ever. (3)
Psalm 33
I will bless the Lord at all times;* His praise shall be constantly in my mouth.
My soul shall glory in the Lord;* let the meek hear and rejoice.
Magnify the Lord with me,* and let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord and He heard me,* and delivered me from all my fears.
Approach the Lord and be enlightened,* and your face shall never be shamed.
The poor cried out, and the Lord heard them* and delivered them from all their afflictions.
The angel of the Lord will set up camp around those who fear the Lord* and save them.
Taste and see how good is the Lord;* blessed is the one who hopes in Him.
Fear the Lord, all you His saints,* for there is no privation for those who fear Him.
The rich have become poor and hungry* but those who seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.
Priest: The blessing of the Lord be upon you through His grace and loving kindness, always, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Great Dismissal
Deacon: Wisdom!
All: Give the blessing.
Priest: Blessed is the One-Who-Is, Christ our God, always, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen. O God, make firm the holy orthodox faith now and for ever and ever.
Priest: O most holy Mother of God, save us.
All: More honourable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.
Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,* now and for ever and ever. Amen.* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing.
Priest: Christ our true God, (risen from the dead) through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy apostles; of Saint, (name, whose church it is), and of Saint, (name, whose day it is) and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
All: Amen.