JANUARY 1
The Circumcision in the Flesh of Our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Our Father Among the Saints Basil the Great
Sunday, Tone 4
VESPERS
Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto Ages of Ages. Amen.
Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.
Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ, our God and our King.
Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ, Himself, our God and our King.
Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, O my soul; O Lord my God, You have been magnified exceedingly.
Confession and majesty have You put on, Who covers Yourself with light as with a garment,
Who stretches out the heaven as it were a curtain; Who supports His chambers in the waters,
Who appoints the clouds for His ascent, Who walks upon the wings of the winds,
Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire,
Who establishes the earth in the sureness thereof; it shall not be turned back forever and ever.
The abyss like a garment is His mantle; upon the mountains shall the waters stand.
At Your rebuke they will flee, at the voice of Your thunder shall they be afraid.
The mountains rise up and the plains sink down, unto the place where You have established them.
You appoint a bound that they shall not pass, neither return to cover the earth.
He sends forth springs in the valleys; between the mountains will the waters run.
They shall give drink to all the beasts of the field; the wild asses will wait to quench their thirst.
Beside them will the birds of the heaven lodge, from the midst of the rocks will they give voice.
He waters the mountains from His chambers; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Your works.
He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and green herb for the service of men,
To bring forth bread out of the earth; and wine makes glad the heart of man.
To make his face cheerful with oil; and bread strengthens man's heart.
The trees of the plain shall be satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon, which You have planted.
There will the sparrows make their nests; the house of the heron is chief among them.
The high mountains are a refuge for the harts, and so is the rock for the hares.
He has made the moon for seasons; the sun knows his going down.
You appointed the darkness, and there was the night, wherein all the beasts of the forest will go abroad.
Young lions roaring after their prey, and seeking their food from God.
The sun arises, and they are gathered together, and they lay them down in their dens.
But man shall go forth unto his work, and to his labour until the evening.
How magnified are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is filled with Your creation.
So is this great and spacious sea, therein are things creeping innumerable, small living creatures with the great.
There go the ships; there this dragon, whom You have made to play therein.
All things wait on You, to give them their food in due season; when You give it them, they will gather it.
When You open Your hand, all things shall be filled with goodness; when You turn away Your face, they shall be troubled.
You will take their spirit, and they shall cease; and unto their dust shall they return.
You will send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created; and You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let the glory of the Lord be unto the ages; the Lord will rejoice in His works,
Who looks on the earth and makes it tremble, Who touches the mountains and they smoke.
I will sing unto the Lord throughout my life, I will chant to my God for as long as I have my being.
May my words be sweet unto Him, and I will rejoice in the Lord.
O that sinners would cease from the earth, and they that work iniquity, that they should be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
and again
the sun knows his going down. You appointed the darkness, and there was the night,
How magnified are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom have You made them all;
Glory... Now and ever...
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to Thee O God.(3).
Our hope, O Lord, Glory to Thee.
In peace let us pray to the Lord...
Ἦχος δ΄
Psalm 140
Lord, I have cried unto You, hearken unto me; Lord, I have cried unto You, hearken unto me; attend to the voice of my supplication when I cry unto You. hearken unto me;
Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. hearken unto me;
Set, O Lord, a watch before my mouth, and a door of enclosure round about my lips.
Incline not my heart unto words of evil, to make excuse with excuses in sins,
With men that work iniquity; and I will not join with their chosen.
The righteous man will chasten me with mercy and reprove me; as for the oil of the sinner, let it not anoint my head.
For yet more is my prayer in the presence of their pleasures; swallowed up near by the rock have their judges been.
They shall hear my words, for they are sweetened; as a clod of earth is broken upon the earth, so have their bones been scattered nigh unto Hades.
For unto You, O Lord, O Lord, are my eyes, in You have I hoped; take not my soul away.
Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and from the stumbling-blocks of them that work iniquity.
The sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone until I pass by.
Psalm 141
With my voice unto the Lord have I cried, with my voice unto the Lord have I made supplication.
I will pour out before Him my supplication, my affliction before Him will I declare.
When my spirit was fainting within me, then You knew my paths.
In this way wherein I have walked they hid for me a snare.
I looked upon my right hand, and beheld, and there was none that did know me.
Flight has failed me, and there is none that watches out for my soul.
I have cried unto You, O Lord; I said: You are my hope, my portion are You in the land of the living.
Attend unto my supplication, for I am brought very low.
Deliver me from them that persecute me, for they are stronger than I.
Στίχ. Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name;
Resurrectional Stichera
Ἦχος δ΄
IN worshipping Your life-creating Cross unceasingly, O Christ God, we glorify Your Resurrection on the third day; for thereby have You renewed the corrupted nature of man, O Almighty One. And You did show us the way up unto the Heavens, since You alone are good and the Friend of man.
Στίχ. the righteous shall wait for me, until you recompense me.
YOU did annul the sentence of the tree of disobedience, O Saviour, by being nailed willingly to the Tree of the Cross. And by descending into Hades, O Mighty One, as God You did rend asunder the bonds of death. Wherefore, we worship Your Resurrection from the dead, while crying out in gladness: O Almighty Lord, glory be to You.
Psalm 129
Στίχ. Out of the depths have I cried to you, O Lord. O Lord, hearken to my voice,
THE gates of Hades did You shatter, O Lord, and by Your death You did destroy the kingdom of death. And You did free the race of man from corruption, granting life and incorruption and great mercy to the world.
Στίχ. let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
Anatolian Sticheron
Ἦχος δ΄
COME, O you peoples, let us praise the Saviour's arising on the third day, whereby we were delivered from the indissoluble bonds of Hades. And we all received incorruption and life, while crying: You who were crucified and buried and did arise, save us by Your Resurrection, O only Friend of man.
Στίχ. If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? For with you is forgiveness:
Στιχηρὰ Ἰδιόμελα τῆς Ἑορτῆς
Ἦχος πλ. δ'
WHEN the Saviour condescended for the sake of mankind, He accepted to be wrapped in swaddling bands. And He that was eight days old from His Mother, and beginningless from His Father, did not disdain to be circumcised in the flesh. O you faithful, let us cry unto Him: You are our God; have mercy on us.
Στίχ. for your name's sake have I waited for you, O Lord, my soul has waited for your word. My soul has hoped in the Lord;
Ἦχος πλ. δ'
WHEN the Saviour condescended for the sake of mankind, He accepted to be wrapped in swaddling bands. And He that was eight days old from His Mother, and beginningless from His Father, did not disdain to be circumcised in the flesh. O you faithful, let us cry unto Him: You are our God; have mercy on us.
Στίχ. from the morning watch till night. Let Israel hope in the Lord:
Ἦχος πλ. δ'
THE supremely good God was not ashamed to be circumcised in the flesh; but for our salvation He offered Himself as a type and example unto all. For the Author of the Law fulfills the precepts of the Law and the things that the Prophets preached of Him. O You Who holds all things in Your grasp, and were wrapped in swaddling bands, O Lord, glory be to You.
Στίχ. for with the Lord is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Στιχηρὰ Προσόμοια τοῦ Ἁγίου
Ἦχος δ'
You who were called from on high
O FATHER Basil, you namesake of the Kingdom,
when by godly knowledge and divine philosophy
you as a shepherd did tend the flock,
the holy nation
and royal priesthood of Christ, the Lord of all,
then He, as the King of kings, the Son, Who is perceived
to be in truth co-beginningless
and co-eternal
with God the Father, vouchsafed the diadem
of the celestial Kingdom unto you
and adorned you therewith in great majesty.
Do you therefore entreat Him
to enlighten and to save our souls.
Psalm 116
Στίχ. Praise the Lord, all you nations: praise him all you peoples.
Ἦχος δ'
BEING adorned with the vestments of a hierarch,
you did preach the Gospel of the Kingdom joyfully,
and you, O Basil, did overflow
with streams of teachings
of Orthodoxy that watered all the Church.
We, enlightened by them, now confess and glorify
One Godhead in the Omnipotent
and Timeless Father,
and in the Only-begotten Word of God,
and in the Holy Spirit: very God
in Three Persons while yet indivisible.
Do you therefore entreat Him
to enlighten and to save our souls.
Στίχ. For his mercy has been abundant toward us: and the truth of the Lord endures for ever. Praise the Lord.
Ἦχος δ'
YOU have been joined to the holy choirs of Heaven,
O our Father Basil, and you do abide with them,
whose way of life you did emulate
by your resplendent
and incorruptible purity of life;
for, while in the body, you did live with those on earth
as though you wert incorporeal.
Hence, make entreaty
with Christ our God to deliver and preserve
from the benighting gloom of ignorance
and from perils and woes them that take delight
in your God-inspired teachings,
and illuminate and save our souls.
Glory...Ἦχος πλ. δ'
By Anatolius
AS a lover of wisdom, O righteous Basil, you did prefer the life with God and the contemplation of death above all things that be, which you rightly forsook in your life; for by the pains of abstinence, you did strip yourself of the passions of the flesh; by meditating in the divine law, you did preserve the dignity of your soul unsubdued; and by the abundance of your virtue, you made the mind of the flesh entirely subject to the spirit. Wherefore, having hated the flesh, the world, and the ruler of the world, do you, as you stand in the presence of Christ, pray that our souls be granted great mercy.
Now and ever... Theotokion
Ἦχος δ΄
HE that on your account is now God's ancestor, the Prophet David, did aforetime in melody say of you, to Him that has done great things to you: The queen stood at Your right hand. For Christ God, Who was pleased to become incarnate of you without father that He might save the world, has shown you forth as the mother and cause of Life, that He might restore His image corrupted by the passions; and having found the stray sheep lost in the mountains, and taken it upon His shoulders, He brings it unto His Father, and by His own will unites it with the Heavenly powers, O Theotokos; for He has great and abundant mercy.
Wisdom Arise!
Φῶς ἱλαρὸν ἁγίας δόξης, ἀθανάτου Πατρός, οὐρανίου, ἁγίου, μάκαρος, Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ἐλθόντες ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλίου δύσιν, ἰδόντες φῶς ἑσπερινόν, ὑμνοῦμεν Πατέρα, Υἱόν, καὶ ἅγιον Πνεῦμα Θεόν. Ἄξιόν σε ἐν πᾶσι καιροῖς, ὑμνεῖσθαι φωναῖς αἰσίαις, Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ζωὴν ὁ διδούς, Διὸ ὁ κόσμος σὲ δοξάζει.
O Joyfull light of the holy glory, of the Immortal Father, heavenly, holy, blessed, Jesus Christ. As we approach the setting of the sun, and see the evening light, we hymn Thee, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, God. Meet it is at all times for Thee to be praised by righteous voices, O Son of God, the Giver of life. Wherefore the world glorifies Thee.
Saturday Evening, Psalm 92, tone 6
The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty;
Στίχ: The Lord is clothed with strength and He has girt Himself.
Στίχ: For He established the world which shall not be shaken.
The Reading is from the Book of Genesis
(17:1, 2, 4-7, 9-14)
THE Lord appeared to Abram and said unto him: I am your God; be you well pleasing before Me, and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for the father of a multitude of nations have I made you. And I will increase you exceedingly, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come forth from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your seed after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, and I will be God unto them. And Abraham fell on his face and worshipped the Lord. And God said unto Abraham: You shall keep My covenant, you and your seed after you throughout their generations. And this is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and your seed after you throughout their generations: Every male among you shall be circumcised; you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a token of a covenant betwixt Me and you. And the child that is eight days old shall be circumcised by you, every male throughout your generations. And the uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin on the eighth day, that soul shall be cut off from his generation, since he has set at nought My covenant.
The Reading is from the Book of Proverbs
(8:22-30)
THE Lord made me the beginning of His ways for His works. Before time was, He established me, in the beginning, before He made the earth, and before He made the depths, before the fountains of the waters came forth, before the mountains were made, and before all the hills, He begat me. The Lord made lands and uninhabited places, and the uttermost inhabited parts under heaven. When He prepared the heaven, I was present with Him; and when He appointed His own throne upon the winds; when He strengthened the clouds above, and when He secured the fountains of the waters that are under heaven; when He gave the sea its bound that the waters should not go beyond His word, and He made strong the foundations of the earth, I was with Him, working in harmony with Him. I it was in whom He took delight, and daily I rejoiced in His presence continually.
The Reading is from the Wisdom of Solomon
(Prov. 10:31; 11:2; 10:2; 11:7, 19; 13:2, 9; Sir 3:18; Prov. 26:11; 15:2; 14:33; 22:11; Ecel. 8:1; Prov. 17:24; Wis. 6:13, 12, 14-16; 7:30; 8:2-3, 7-9, 17-18; 8:21-9:5; 9:10-11, 14)
THE mouth of the righteous distills wisdom, and the lips of men know graces. The mouth of the wise meditates wisdom, and righteousness delivers them from death. If a righteous man happens to die, hope is not lost, for a righteous son is born unto life, and in his good things shall he reap the fruit of righteousness. There is ever light unto the righteous, and of the Lord they obtain both grace and glory; the tongue of the wise acknowledges the good, and in their hearts shall wisdom find rest. The Lord loves righteous hearts, and acceptable unto Him are all undefiled in the way. The wisdom of the Lord illumines the countenance of the wise man. For she goes before them that desire her, in making herself first known unto them. She is easily seen of them that love her. Whoso seeks her early shall have no great travail; and whoso watches for her shall quickly be without care. For she goes about seeking such as are worthy of her, showing herself favourably unto them in the ways. Wickedness shall never prevail against wisdom. Wherefore I was a lover of her beauty; and I loved her, and sought her out from my youth. I desired to make her my bride, for the Lord of all things Himself loved her. For she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God and a lover of His works. Her labours are virtues, for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude; which are such things, as men can have nothing more profitable in their life. If a man desire much experience, she knows things of old, and conjectures aright what is to come. She knows the subtleties of speeches and can expound dark sentences; she foresees signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and times; unto all she is a good counsellor, since there is immortality in her, and good fame in communing with her counsels. Wherefore I prayed unto the Lord, and besought Him, and with my whole heart I said: O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, Who has made all things with Your word, and fashioned man in Your wisdom that he should have dominion over the creatures which You have made, and order the world in holiness and righteousness: Give me wisdom that sits by Your throne, and reject me not from among Your children, for I am Your servant and the son of Your handmaid. O send her out of Your holy habitations, and from the throne of Your glory, that being present with me she may teach me what is pleasing unto You. And she shall lead me in knowledge and preserve me in her glory. For all the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and their devices are but uncertain.
Let us say, with all our soul...
Deign, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin. Blessed are You, O Lord, God of our Fathers! Praised and glorified is Your name for ever. Amen. O Lord let Your mercy rest upon us, for we have placed our trust in You. Blessed are You, O Lord: teach me Your statutes. Blessed are You, Master: grant that I may understand Your statutes. Blessed are You, O Holy One, enlighten me with Your statutes. Everlasting is Your love, O Lord; do not turn away from the work of Your hands! Indeed, praise, adoration and glory are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us complete our prayer...
Peace be with all. And with your spirit.
Let us bow our heads unto the Lord. To You, O Lord.
Of the Resurrection
Ἦχος δ΄
Άυτόμελον
O LORD, when You did ascend upon the Cross,
You did utterly obliterate our ancestral curse.
And going down into Hades,
You did set free those in fetters from all ages past,
granting unto the race of man
incorruption forever;
hence, for this cause with hymns do we glorify
Your life-creating and saving Rising from the dead.
Στίχ. The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty! And girded Himself with strength!
In Alphabetical Order
Ἦχος δ΄
Hanged upon a tree, O only Mighty One, You shook creation; laid in a tomb, You raised those who dwelt in tombs, granting the human race incorruption and life; therefore with hymns we glorify Your Rising on the third day.
Στίχ. For He has established the world so that it shall never be moved!
A lawless people, O Christ, delivered You to Pilate, and condemned You to be crucified, showing themselves unfeeling to their benefactor, but of Your own will You endured burial, rose on the third day by Your own power, as God granting us unending life and Your great mercy.
Στίχ. Holiness befits Your house, Lord, forever more!
Reaching Your grave in tears, the women looked for You; and when they did not find You, they cried aloud with grief and lamentation: Alas, our Saviour, King of all, how were You stolen? What sort of place holds Your life-bearing body? But an Angel answered them and said: Do not weep, but go, proclaim that the Lord has risen, granting us joy, as He alone is compassionate.
Glory... Ἦχος πλ. β'
O YOU who did receive from Heaven the grace to work wonders, and did pillory the error of idols with your doctrines, you are the glory and foundation of high priests, O all-blessed Basil, and the pattern for the teaching of all the Fathers. Since you have boldness with Christ, entreat Him that our souls be saved.
Now and ever... Ἦχος πλ. δ'
THE supremely good God was not ashamed to be circumcised in the flesh; but for our salvation He offered Himself as a type and example unto all. For the Author of the Law fulfills the precepts of the Law and the things that the Prophets preached of Him. O You Who holds all things in Your grasp, and were wrapped in swaddling bands, O Lord, glory be to You.
Master, now let your servant depart in peace...
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory... Now and ever...
All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
Lord, forgive our sins.
Master, pardon our transgressions.
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your Name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory... Now and ever...
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom... Ἀμήν.
Troparion. pg. 84
Ἦχος δ΄
Άυτόμελον
When the tidings of the resurrection from the glorious angel was proclaimed unto the women disciples and our ancestral sentence also had been abolished to the Apostles, with boasting did they proclaim that death is vanquished evermore and Christ our God has risen from the dead and granted unto the world His great mercy.
Ἀπολυτίκιον τοῦ Ἁγίου
Ἦχος α'
YOUR sound has gone forth into all the earth, which has received your word. Thereby you have divinely taught the Faith; you have made manifest the nature of all things that be; you have adorned the ways of man. O namesake of the royal priesthood, our righteous Father Basil, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Ἕτερον τῆς Ἑορτῆς
Ἦχος α'
While Gabriel was saying
OUR human form have you taken on Yourself without change,
O greatly-compassionate Master, though being God by nature;
fulfilling the Law, You willingly
receive circumcision in the flesh,
that You might end the shadow and roll away
the veil of our sinful passions.
Glory be to Your goodness unto us.
Glory be to Your compassion.
Glory, O Word, to Your inexpressible condescension.
Wisdom! Εὐλόγησον.
Ὁ ὢν εὐλογητὸς Χριστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, πάντοτε νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τους αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.
Glory... Now and ever..., Κύριε ἐλέησον (γ'), Δέσποτα ἅγιε, εὐλόγησον.
Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεός, ἡ ἐλπὶς ἡμῶν, Κύριε, δόξα Σοι.
Χριστὸς ὁ ἀληθινὸς…
Δι' εὐχῶν των ἁγίων Πατέρων ἡμῶν, Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ἐλέησον καὶ σῶσον ἡμᾶς. Ἀμήν.
who on the eighth day condescended to be circumsized in the flesh for our salvation...
JANUARY 1
The Circumcision in the Flesh of Our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Our Father Among the Saints Basil the Great
Sunday, Tone 4
ORTHROS
Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto Ages of Ages. Amen.
Glory to you, O God, glory to you.
O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, the Treasury of Blessing, and Giver of Life, come and abide in us and cleanse us from all impurity and save our souls, O Good One. Ἀμήν.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory... Now and ever...
All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
Lord, forgive our sins.
Master, pardon our transgressions.
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your Name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory... Now and ever...
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the Kingdom...
Troparia
O Lord, save your people, and bless your inheritance, grant victory to our rulers against the enemies, and protect your nation by your cross.
Glory...
O Christ our God, Who was of your own will lifted up on the cross, grant your mercies to your new community named after you; and in your power gladden our faithful rulers, granting them victories against their adversaries. May they have Your alliance, that invincible trophy, a weapon of peace.
Now and ever...
O awesome and ever present protection, all lauded Theotokos, of your goodness overlook not our supplications; make firm the community of the Orthodox, save those whom you have called to rule, and grant them victory from heaven, for you did bear God and are ever blessed.
Have mercy on us, O God, have mercy on us according to your great mercy...
Amen. In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.
Glory to the Holy, Consubstantial, Life-giving and Undivided Trinity, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Glory to God in highest, and on earth peace and good will to men. (3)
O lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise. (2)
Psalm 3
Lord, why are they multiplied that afflict me? Many rise up against me.
Many say unto my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God.
But You, O Lord, are my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head.
I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy mountain.
I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that set themselves against me round about.
Arise, O Lord, save me, O my God, for You have smitten all who without cause are my enemies; the teeth of sinners have You broken.
Salvation is of the Lord, and Your blessing is upon Your people.
and again
I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.
Ψαλμὸς 37
Lord, rebuke me not in Your anger, nor chasten me in Your wrath.
For Your arrows are fastened in me, and You have laid Your hand heavily upon me.
There is no healing in my flesh in the face of Your wrath; and there is no peace in my bones in the face of my sins.
For my iniquities are risen higher than my head; as a heavy burden have they pressed heavily upon me.
My bruises are become noisome and corrupt in the face of my folly.
I have been wretched and utterly bowed down until the end; all the day long I went with downcast face.
For my loins are filled with mockings, and there is no healing in my flesh.
I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly, I have roared from the groaning of my heart.
Lord, before You is all my desire, and my groaning is not hid from You.
My heart is troubled, my strength has failed me; and the light of my eyes, even this is not with me.
My friends and my neighbours drew nigh over against me and stood, and my nearest of kin stood afar off.
And they that sought after my soul used violence; and they that sought evils for me spoke vain things, and on craftiness all the day long did they meditate.
But as for me, like a deaf man I heard them not, and was as a speechless man that opens not his mouth.
And I became as a man that hears not, and that has in his mouth no reproofs.
For in You have I hoped, O Lord; You will hearken unto me, O Lord my God.
For I said: Let never my enemies rejoice over me; yea, when my feet were shaken, those men spoke boastful words against me.
For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is continually before me.
For I will declare my iniquity, and I will take heed concerning my sin.
But my enemies live and are made stronger than I, and they that hated me unjustly are multiplied.
They that render me evil for good slandered me, because I pursued goodness.
Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me.
Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.
and again
Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me.
Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.
Ψαλμὸς 62
O God, my God, unto You I rise early at dawn. My soul has thirsted for You;
how often has my flesh longed after You in a land barren and untrodden and unwatered.
So in the sanctuary have I appeared before You to see Your power and Your glory,
For Your mercy is better than lives; my lips shall praise You.
So shall I bless You in my life, and in Your name will I lift up my hands.
As with marrow and fatness let my soul be filled, and with lips of rejoicing shall my mouth praise You.
If I remembered You on my bed, at the dawn I meditated on You.
For You are become my helper; in the shelter of Your wings will I rejoice.
My soul has cleaved after You, Your right hand has been quick to help me.
But as for these, in vain have they sought after my soul; they shall go into the nethermost parts of the earth,
they shall be surrendered unto the edge of the sword; portions for foxes shall they be.
But the king shall be glad in God, everyone shall be praised that swears by Him;
for the mouth of them is stopped that speak unjust things.
and again
at the dawn I meditated on You.
For You are become my helper; in the shelter of Your wings will I rejoice.
My soul has cleaved after You, Your right hand has been quick to help me.
Glory... Now and ever...
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to Thee, O God. (3)
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory... Now and ever...
Ψαλμὸς 87
O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before You.
Let my prayer come before You, bow down Your ear unto my supplication.
For filled with evils is my soul, and my life unto Hades has drawn nigh.
I am counted with them that go down into the pit; I am become as a man without help, free among the dead,
Like the bodies of the slain that sleep in the grave, whom You remember no more, and they are cut off from Your hand;
They laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Against me is Your anger made strong, and all Your billows have You brought upon me.
You have removed my friends afar from me; they have made me an abomination unto themselves.
I have been delivered up, and have not come forth; my eyes are grown weak from poverty.
I have cried unto You, O Lord, the whole day long; I have stretched out my hands unto You.
Nay, for the dead will You work wonders? Or shall physicians raise them up that they may give thanks unto You?
Nay, shall any in the grave tell of Your mercy, and of Your truth in that destruction?
Nay, shall Your wonders be known in that darkness, and Your righteousness in that land of oblivion?
But as for me, unto You, O Lord, have I cried; and in the morning shall my prayer come before You.
Wherefore, O Lord, do You cast off my soul and turn Your face away from me?
A poor man am I, and in troubles from my youth; yea, having been exalted, I was humbled and brought to distress.
Your furies have passed upon me, and Your terrors have sorely troubled me.
They came round about me like water, all the day long they encompassed me about together.
You have removed afar from me friend and neighbour, and my acquaintances because of my misery.
and again
O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before You.
Let my prayer come before You, bow down Your ear unto my supplication.
Ψαλμὸς 102
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that He has done for you,
Who is gracious unto all your iniquities, Who heals all your infirmities,
Who redeems your life from corruption, Who crowns you with mercy and compassion,
Who fulfills your desire with good things; your youth shall be renewed as the eagle's.
The Lord performs deeds of mercy, and executes judgment for all them that are wronged.
He has made His ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things that He has willed.
Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, long suffering and plenteous in mercy;
not unto the end will He be angered, neither unto eternity will He be wroth.
Not according to our iniquities has He dealt with us, neither according to our sins has He rewarded us.
For according to the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord has made His mercy to prevail over them that fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our iniquities from us.
Like as a father has compassion upon his sons, so has the Lord had compassion upon them that fear Him;
For He knows whereof we are made, He has remembered that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom forth.
For when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it know the place thereof.
But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even unto eternity, upon them that fear Him.
And His righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon them that keep His testament and remember His commandments to do them.
The Lord in heaven has prepared His throne, and His kingdom rules over all.
Bless the Lord, all you His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word, to hear the voice of His words.
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, His ministers that do His will.
Bless the Lord, all you His works, in every place of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
and again
in every place of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Ψαλμὸς 142
Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my supplication in Your truth; hearken unto me in Your righteousness.
And enter not into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight shall no man living be justified.
For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has humbled my life down to the earth.
He has sat me in darkness as those that have been long dead, and my spirit within me is become despondent; within me my heart is troubled.
I remembered days of old, I meditated on all Your works, I pondered on the creations of Your hands.
I stretched forth my hands unto You; my soul thirsts after You like a waterless land.
Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit has fainted away.
Turn not Your face away from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning; for in You have I put my hope.
Cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for unto You have I lifted up my soul.
Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord; unto You have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.
Your good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness; for Your name's sake, O Lord, shall You quicken me.
In Your righteousness shall You bring my soul out of affliction, and in Your mercy shall You utterly destroy my enemies.
And You shall cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Your servant.
and again
hearken unto me in Your righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Your servant, (2)
Your good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness;
Glory... Now and ever...
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to Thee O God. (3)
Our hope, O Lord, Glory to Thee.
In peace let us pray to the Lord...
Ἦχος δ΄
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us. Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord.
Στίχ, α΄. Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His Holy Name.
Στίχ, β΄. All the Gentiles surrounded me, but I fought them back in the name of the Lord.
Στίχ, γ΄. This came about through the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
Troparion. pg. 84
Ἦχος δ΄
Άυτόμελον
When the tidings of the resurrection from the glorious angel was proclaimed unto the women disciples and our ancestral sentence also had been abolished to the Apostles, with boasting did they proclaim that death is vanquished evermore and Christ our God has risen from the dead and granted unto the world His great mercy.
Ἀπολυτίκιον τοῦ Ἁγίου
Ἦχος α'
YOUR sound has gone forth into all the earth, which has received your word. Thereby you have divinely taught the Faith; you have made manifest the nature of all things that be; you have adorned the ways of man. O namesake of the royal priesthood, our righteous Father Basil, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Ἕτερον τῆς Ἑορτῆς
Ἦχος α'
While Gabriel was saying
OUR human form have you taken on Yourself without change,
O greatly-compassionate Master, though being God by nature;
fulfilling the Law, You willingly
receive circumcision in the flesh,
that You might end the shadow and roll away
the veil of our sinful passions.
Glory be to Your goodness unto us.
Glory be to Your compassion.
Glory, O Word, to Your inexpressible condescension.
Again in peace let us pray to the Lord...
Kathismata of the Resurrection
Ἦχος δ΄
As they looked at the entrance of the tomb and were unable to endure the bright flame of the Angel, the Myrrhbearing women trembled with amazement and said, ‘Can the One who opened Paradise to the Thief have been stolen? Can He who before His passion, proclaimed His Rising have been raised? Truly Christ, God has risen, granting those in Hell life and resurrection’.
Glory... Sessional Hymns of the Feast: First Tone.
The soldiers standing guard
WISE Basil, standing now in the Trinity's presence,
entreat Him warmly that in the dread day of judgment
all we who now praise you and gladly honour your memory
might obtain His mercy, grace, and pardon of failings,
that with mouth and heart, we all may glorify Christ God,
the only true Friend of man.
Both now... Of the Feast.
Same Melody
THE Master of the world, the Creator of all things,
Who dwells in the heights with the Father and Spirit,
is circumcised on the earth as an infant but eight days old.
Truly are Your works divine and wondrous, O Master!
You are circumcised for us, since You are the perfect
fulfilment of all the Law.
Kathismata of the Resurrection
Ἦχος δ΄
Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε
You rose from Hell as immortal, O Saviour, and raised Your world with You by Your Resurrection, Christ our God; with strength You broke the might of death, and revealed the Resurrection to all, O Merciful: therefore we also glorify You, only lover of mankind.
Glory... Sessional Hymns of the Feast: Ἦχος πλ. δ', By conceiving the Wisdom,
AS a God-seer, you drew the mystic wealth
of ineffable wisdom as from a spring,
while treasuring up for all
floods of Orthodox piety,
which have gladdened the hearts of the faithful with godly joy,
but which drown the false doctrines of infidels, as is right.
Hence, by both, O Basil, through the sweat of your labours
in struggling for piety,
you have proved an invincible
champion of the Trinity.
O Hierarch, intercede with Christ God
that forgiveness of all their transgressions be
granted to them that with longing
keep your holy memory.
Both now... Of the Feast. Fourth Tone
On this day You have appeared
SINCE You are a great abyss
of love for mankind,
You, O Master, have put on
a servant's form on our behalf;
and You were circumcised in the flesh,
granting Your great and rich mercy to all mankind.
POLYELEOS
Psalm 135
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, Alleluia.
for his mercy endures for ever. Alleluia.
O give thanks to the God of gods, Alleluia.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords, Alleluia.
to him who spread out the earth upon the waters, Alleluia.
to him who made the great lights, Alleluia.
the sun to rule over the day, Alleluia.
and brought Israel out from among them, Alleluia.
to him who divided the Red Sea in sunder, Alleluia.
and made Israel pass through the midst of it, Alleluia.
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, Alleluia.
O give thanks to the God of gods, Alleluia.
After the Polyeleos, the following Sessional Hymns of the Saint:
Ἦχος πλ. δ'
By conceiving the Wisdom
WITH the power and force of your godly words,
you did wholly destroy gloomy heresies;
for you sank in the deep
all the vaunting of Arius;
you did preach unto all that the Spirit is very God,
and by stretching your hands out in prayer, you did slay His foes,
as, O Hierarch Basil, you did banish the worship
devised by Sabellius,
and completely did you destroy
all the pride of Nestorius.
Intercede with Christ our God
that forgiveness of all their transgressions be
granted to them that with longing
keep your holy memory.
Glory. Same Melody
NOW the bounteous grace of your godly words
and the mystical height that your doctrines reach
in truth are become for us
a divine ladder of ascent;
for procuring a spiritual trumpet, O righteous one,
you therewith did proclaim all the teachings of godliness.
Hence, O Hierarch Basil, in a bright place of verdure
have you made your dwelling-place,
wherein you have received the wage
of your contests and diligence.
O Father, intercede with Christ God
that forgiveness of all their transgressions be
granted to them that with longing
keep your holy memory.
Both Now. Theotokion.
Same Melody
THE Creator and Master of all that is,
on assuming our flesh from your spotless womb,
made you, O all-blameless one,
the protectress of all mankind.
For this reason, we all flee for refuge and help to you,
and, O Lady, we ask the forgiveness of trespasses,
and that we be rescued from eternal affliction,
and all of the spiteful harm
of the dread ruler of this world;
and we cry unto you with faith:
Entreat your Son and God that He grant
the forgiveness of all failings unto them
that bow in faith to give worship
unto your All-holy Child.
EVLOGITARIA
Tone plagal 1
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
The host of angels was overwhelmed
seeing You among the dead.
You destroyed the power of death, O Saviour.
You rose from the dead
and brought Adam with You,
and all were freed from Hades.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
A radiant angel spoke from the tomb
to the myrrh-bearing women disciples saying,
"Why mingle myrrh with tears?
Come see the tomb and be glad
for the Saviour has risen from the grave."
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
In early morn the myrrh-bearers came mourning to Your tomb,
but an angel appeared before them and said,
"The time for mourning has passed, weep not,
go and proclaim His Resurrection to the Apostles."
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
The myrrh-bearing women came to Your tomb, O Saviour.
They heard an angel say,
"Why number Him, who lives, among the dead?
He is God and has risen from the tomb."
Glory...Triadikon
We worship the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Trinity, one in essence.
We proclaim with the Seraphim,
Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O Lord.
Now and ever...Theotokion
O Virgin, you gave birth to the Giver of Life.
You freed Adam from sin.
You gave joy to Eve in place of her sorrow.
He brought to life those who had lost life.
He to Whom you gave flesh, is both God and man.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (3).
Again in peace let us pray to the Lord...
YPAKOE
The Myrrhbearers proclaimed to the Apostles, the news of Your wondrous Rising, O Christ: that as God You had risen, granting the world Your great mercy.
The Anavathmi. Tone 4
Antiphon One
- From the years of my youth, many passions combat me; but You, Who are my Savior, assist me and save me.
- You haters of Zion shall be put to shame by the Lord Almighty, for as grass in the fire, you shall all be withered.
Glory... Both now...
By the Holy Spirit, every soul is made living, is exalted, and made shining through purification, by the Threefold Oneness, in a hidden manner.
Antiphon Two
- From the depth of my soul I have cried to You fervently, O Lord; let Your divine ears hearken even unto me.
- Every one who has set their hope in the Lord, is higher than all those who mourn.
Glory... Both now...
By the Holy Spirit, the streams of grace are flowing, watering, all of the creation, granting life upon it.
Antiphon Three
- Let my heart be raised to You, O Lord; and let none of the pleasures of the world lure me earthwards.
- As one has tender love for one's mother; so we should have even more fervent love for the Lord.
Glory... Both now...
By the Holy Spirit comes wealth of divine knowledge, contemplation and wisdom; for by Him the Word unveils all the Father's teachings.
Prokeimenon
Arise, O Lord, help us and redeem us, for the glory of Your Name.
Verse: O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us: the work which You wrought in their days, in days of old.
The Order of the Sunday Morning Gospel
Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For Holy art thou, O our God, who restest in the Saints, and unto thee we ascribe Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord. (3)
And that we may be accounted worthy to hear the Holy Gospel, let us entreat the Lord our God.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.
Peace be with you all.
And with your spirit.
The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.
Let us be attentive.
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
MORNING GOSPEL VII
John 20:1-10
On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene cometh to the sepulcher early, when it was yet dark...
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
Ψαλμὸς 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassions blot out my transgression.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me.
Against You only have I sinned and done this evil before You, that You might be justified in Your words, and prevail when You are judged.
For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me.
For behold, You have loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom have You made manifest unto me.
You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; You shall wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
You shall make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice.
Turn Your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, and with Your governing Spirit establish me.
I shall teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto You.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Your righteousness.
Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise.
For if You had desired sacrifice, I would have given it; with whole-burnt offerings You shall not be pleased.
A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.
Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.
Then shall You be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Your altar.
Glory... Tone 2
Through the prayers, of the Apostles, O Merciful One, wash away the multitude of my offenses.
Now and ever... Same Tone
Through the prayers, of the Theotokos, O Merciful One, wash away the multitude of my offenses.
Στίχ. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassions blot out my transgression.
Pentecostarion. Tone 2
Indeed, Jesus is risen as He foretold, and He has given us eternal life and abundant mercy.
O God, save thy people...
Lord have mercy (3x4).
Through the mercies and ...
Κοντάκιον
Ἦχος δ΄
You have appeared today. - Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον
My Saviour and Deliverer, from the tomb, as God, raised from their bonds, those born of earth and smashed the gates of Hell, and as Master arose on the third day.
Ὁ Οἶκος
Let all of us who are born of earth sing the praise of Christ the giver of life, who rose from the dead on the third day from the tomb, and by His power today smashed the gates of death, put Hell to death and crushed the sting of death, set Adam free with Eve, as with thanksgiving we cry aloud our fervent praise: For He, as alone the mighty God and Master rose on the third day.
Κάθισμα
Ἦχος πλ. δ'
By conceiving the Wisdom
HAVING opened your mouth with the word of God,
you, O herald of light, did pour wisdom forth,
while sowing a godly mind
and inspired thoughts throughout the world;
for since you did confirm what the Fathers decreed aright,
you, like Paul, were revealed as a champion of the Faith.
For this cause you likewise are the Angels' companion,
their blest fellow citizen,
O wise Basil, most blest of men,
you revealer of things divine.
Intercede with Christ our God
that forgiveness of all their transgressions be
granted to them that with longing
keep your holy memory.
Glory. Third Tone.
Your confession
YOU did wondrously water the whole world
with the rivers of your godly teachings,
sowing doctrines of piety everywhere;
for Christ, the Wellspring of Life, made His rest in you,
O righteous Basil, our Father inspired of God.
Since you verily have boldness to intercede on high,
entreat Christ God to grant great mercy unto us.
Both now. Of the Feast. Same Tone
On this day the Virgin
NOW the Lord of all that is
undergos circumcision,
in His goodness cutting off
the sins and failings of mortals.
He this day gives salvation
unto the whole world;
and the hierarch and bright daystar of the Creator
now rejoice in the highest,
Basil the wise and
divine initiate of Christ.
Κοντάκιον
FOR the Church are you in truth
a firm foundation,
granting an inviolate
lordship unto all mortal men
and sealing it with what you have taught,
O righteous Basil, revealer of heavenly things.
Ὁ Οἶκος
THE mingling-bowl of chastity, the mouth of wisdom, the foundation of doctrines, Basil the Great spiritually flashes like lightning upon all. Come you therefore, let us stand in the house of God, fervently fixing our gaze on his wonders with delight. And flashing with their light as with a beacon, let us warm ourselves with the purifying spirit of his life, imitating his faith, his fervour, his humility, whereby he was shown to be indeed a house of God; and unto him we cry out in praise: O righteous Basil, revealer of heavenly things.
Σ Υ Ν Α Ξ Α Ρ Ι Ο Ν
+ On the first of this month we celebrate the Circumcision in the Flesh of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ; it being the eighth day after His Birth, we Commemorate also the giving of the Name of Jesus.
Verses
Christ being circumcised, the Law is cut off;
And the Law being cut off, Grace is brought in.
He that in six days made the earth and the heaven,
Now upon the eighth takes the name of Saviour.
+ On this day we commemorate our Father among the Saints Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia.
Verses
Though he has died, Basil in the Lord yet lives;
And he lives with us, speaking from his writings.
On January first you did die, O Basil.
+ On this day the holy Martyr Theodotus was perfected in martyrdom by the sword.
Verses
I will not resist-so says this Theodotus,
Though my head for the sake of my God be severed.
+ On this day Saint Gregory, Bishop of Nazianz us, father of Saint Gregory the Theologian, reposed in peace.
Verses
YOU have an elegist of your death, O Father,
From your household and of your own loins engendered.
+ On this day our righteous Father Theodosius, Abbot of Triglia, reposed in peace.
Verses
Since Theodosius was found to be great in virtues,
He became a ven'rable monastery's founder.
+ On this day the holy New Martyr Peter of Tripoli in the Peloponnesus suffered martyrdom by hanging in the year 1776 in the region of Odemesius in Asia Minor.
Verses
Set fast on the rock of faith, O blessed Peter,
You were hoisted by a noose from earth to Heaven.
+ On this day we commemorate our righteous Father Oyend (Eugendus), Abbot of Condat in the Jura Mountains.
+ On this day we commemorate our Father among the Saints Felix, Bishop of Bourges.
+ On this day we commemorate the holy New Martyr Basil the Youth, of Stavropol, who was slain by the atheists in the year 1918.
By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Katabasias
ODE ONE. Second Tone
The Lord, mighty in wars, uncovered the foundations of the deep, and He led His own through dry land, but covered their adversaries in the deep; for He is glorified.
ODE THREE
The Lord, Who grants strength unto our kings and exalts the horn of His anointed, is born of a Virgin and comes unto baptism. Wherefore, let us cry out, O you faithful: There is none holy as our God, and there is none righteous save You, O Lord.
ODE FOUR
He whom You did call the voice of one crying in the wilderness, O Lord, heard Your voice, when You did thunder upon many waters, bearing witness to Your Son. And being wholly filled with the Spirit Who was present there, he cried: You are Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God.
ODE FIVE
Jesus, the Author of life, comes to loose the condemnation of Adam the first-fashioned; and though as God He needs no cleansing, for the sake of him that fell He is cleansed in the Jordan: wherein having slain the enmity, He bestows the peace that passes all
ODE SIX
The voice of the Word, the lamp of the Light, the Morning Star, the Forerunner of the Sun, cries in the wilderness unto all the peoples: Repent you and be cleansed while there is yet time, for behold, Christ is come to deliver the world from corruption.
ODE SEVEN
As the godly children stood in the furnace of fire, a whistling wind with dew and the Divine Angel's descent preserved them free of harm; wherefore, bedewed in the flame, they sang with thanksgiving: O You Who are supremely praised, the Lord and God of our Fathers, blessed are You.
ODE EIGHT
A strange mystery was shown in the furnace of Babylon when it flowed with dew: that the Jordan would afterwards receive in its streams the immaterial Fire, and would contain the Creator baptized in the flesh, Whom the peoples bless and supremely exalt unto all the ages.
Katabasias
ODE ONE. Second Tone
Israel walks the sea's unsettled surging,
Which is again shown to be dry land and solid;
But the Egyptian captains are hid completely
In the lightless deep, in a grave of spreading waters,
BY the mighty strength of the right hand of the Master.
ODE THREE
All that are rescued out of the ancient meshes ,
Of the devouring lions, whose teeth are broken:
Let us rejoice now, op'ning our mouths in gladness,
Weaving of words a melody for the Word ,
Whose delight it is to bestow gifts upon us.
ODE FOUR
Cleansed with the torch-light and fire of mystic vision,
The Prophet sings hymns of mortals' renewal;
His voice he raises, which is moved by the Spirit,
Showing the unutterable Word' s Incarnation,
Who has wholly crushed the dominion of the mighty.
ODE FIVE
Washed with the cleansing and laver of the Spirit
From all the poison of the mired and murky foeman,
We have been set on a path new and unerring,
Leading to inaccessible joy and gladness
Found by them alone with whom God is reconciled.
ODE SIX
With voice most blissful, the Father made known clearly
His Beloved, Whom from the womb He had brought forth.
Yea, He says, while He is My Child and of My nature,
He sprang forth from mankind, beaming bright with splendour,
Both My Living Word, and by providence a mortal.
ODE SEVEN
The heads of the dragons were burned within the river
BY Him that lulled the upraised flame of the furnace,
Which had encompassed the right religious Children;
He doth wash away with the dew of the Spirit
All the froward gloom that sinning doth engender.
We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord.
ODE EIGHT
Now is creation restored again to freedom;
They are the sons of light who before were in darkness;
Only he groans who is the prince of darkness.
Let the once-wretched heritage of the nations
Earnestly now bless the Author of their blessing.
Let us magnify the Theotokos and Mother of light, with hymns of honor.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.
Greater in honor than the...
Because He has regarded the humility of His handmaid: behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Greater in honor than the...
Because He who is mighty has done great things; and Holy is His name; and His mercy is from generation to generation to those who fear Him.
Greater in honor than the...
He has shown might in His arm: He has shattered the proud in the mind of their heart.
Greater in honor than the...
He has taken down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.
Greater in honor than the...
He has aided Israel His servant, being mindful of His mercy. As He spoke to our Fathers: to Abraham and his seed forever.
Greater in honor than the...
ODE NINE. Second Tone
Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is due; even the world transcending intelligences are dazed when they seek to praise you, O Theotokos. But since you are good, accept our faith, for you know well our love inspired by God; for you are the protectress of Christians. You do we magnify.
ODE NINE. Second Tone
Past understanding are the wonders of your childbirth,
O you all-pure Bride, O truly blessed Mother!
Through you have we found full and perfect salvation,
And framing you a fitting hymn of thanksgiving,
Bring it as a gift as to a benefactor.
Again in peace let us pray to the Lord...
Exapostilarion
Holy is the Lord our God!
Holy is the Lord our God!
Exalt the Lord our God and adore his footsteps,
for He is Holy.
Exapostilarion 7. Ἦχος β' (John 20:1-10)
Mary having said that they had taken the Lord away, Simon Peter and the other friend of Christ whom He loved, ran to the tomb and they both found the grave clothes lying alone therein and the napkin that had been about his head not with them but apart. They therefore kept silence again until they saw Christ.
Ἐξαποστειλάριον
Ἦχος γ'
While standing in the Temple's courts
O FATHER, you did circumcise
your soul's uncircumcision
with true love of philosophy
and were shown to the whole world
a sun that shone with miracles,
O wise Basil, giving light
unto the minds of the faithful,
O you godly initiate
of the God of Three Persons,
and the Theotokos' servant.
Ἐξαποστειλάριον τῆς Ἑορτῆς
Ἦχος γ'
While standing in the Temple's courts
NOW He that has fulfilled the Law
as an eight-day old infant
is circumcised in mortal flesh,
Who as God made the ages;
and He is wrapped in swaddling clothes
as a mortal child of man;
sustained with milk is the Master,
Who with infinite power
upholds all creation
and with His sway rules all things.
Ἦχος δ΄
THE LAUDS
Psalm 148
Let every breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. To Him is due our song.
Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. To Him is due our song.
Στιχ. To do among them the judgment that is written. This glory shall be to all His saints.
Resurrectional Stichera
Ἦχος δ΄
O YOU Who did endure the Cross and death, and did arise from the dead, O Almighty Lord, we glorify Your Resurrection.
Psalm 150
Στιχ. Praise God in His saints, praise Him in the firmament of His power.
BY Your Cross, O Christ, You have freed us from the ancient curse; and by Your death, You have destroyed the devil, who tyrannized our nature; and by Your arising, You have filled all things with joy. Wherefore, we cry to You: You, Who did arise from the dead, O Lord, glory be to You.
Στιχ. Praise Him for His mighty acts, praise Him according to the multitude of His greatness.
BY Your Cross, O Christ Saviour, guide us unto Your truth, and deliver us from the snares of the enemy. You, Who did arise from the dead, extend Your hand and, by the intercession of Your Saints, raise us up who have fallen in sin, O man-befriending Lord.
Στιχ. Praise Him with the sound of trumpet, praise Him with the psaltery and harp.
WITHOUT parting from the bosom of Your Father, O only-begotten Word of God, out of love for man You came upon earth, changelessly becoming man. And You did endure the Cross and death in the flesh, You, Who are impassible in Your Godhead. And having risen from the dead, You did grant immortality unto the race of man, since You alone are omnipotent.
Στιχ. Praise Him with timbrel and dance, praise Him with strings and flute.
Στιχηρὰ Προσόμοια
Ἦχος πλ. α'
Χαίροις ἀσκητικῶν
HE that without division or change
as God of God and as the Word was ineffably
begotten of God the Father, is circumcised in the flesh,
while abiding changeless in Divinity.
Submitting unto the Law, He that far transcends the Law,
delivers all men from the curse coming through the Law
and instead grants them the blessing from Heaven's heights.
Wherefore, with all thanksgiving, we acclaim, praise, and glorify
His condescension, which truly transcends goodness of any kind;
while ever entreating
and imploring Him to grant His great mercy to our souls.
Στιχ. Praise Him with tuneful cymbals, praise Him with cymbals of jubilation. Let every breath praise the Lord.
Ἦχος πλ. α'
YOU with the shining light of your words
did stop the vainly gaping mouths of the heretics,
when you, as a son of God by adoption through the rebirth
of divine Baptism, boldly did confess
and preach Him Who verily is by nature the Son of God
before the ages, God the Word, one in essence and
co-beginningless with the Father, O righteous one.
Hence, in that Kingdom in the heights have you made your dwelling-place,
reigning with Christ, Who alone is by nature King over all that is,
and Who in His goodness
abundantly dispenses His great mercy to the world.
Στιχ. Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hand be lifted high; forget not Your paupers to the end.
Ἦχος πλ. α'
YOU as a sacred hierarch of God
went within the sacred temple in Heaven's heights,
while wearing as holy robes discipline and vision of God,
wherein godly wisdom has its origins;
since you now do serve as priest at the altar above, O Saint,
and ever stand in the presence and sight of God
and accomplish there a spiritual ministry,
cease you not to remember them that keep your all-hon'rable
and sacred mem'ry, O Basil, who are most blest and compassionate,
while praying to Christ God,
Who graciously bestows His great mercy on the world.
Στιχ. I will confess You, O Lord, with my whole heart, I will tell of all Your wonders.
Ἦχος πλ. α'
WHOLLY devoted unto your God,
in all ways consecrated unto Him from your youth,
illumined with wisdom higher than wisdom, you made clear
to all men the knowledge of the things that be.
Expounding with clarity, you did wisely describe the depth
of that good order in creation, which you did set
as the groundwork for teaching knowledge yet more divine.
Lauding you, the divinely speaking teacher of godliness,
we therefore call you the bright-beaming luminary of all the Church,
while praising Christ Jesus,
Who bestows His great mercy and peace upon the world.
Glory...Ἦχος πλ. β'
GRACE was poured forth on your lips, O righteous Father Basil; and you became a shepherd of the Church of Christ, teaching the rational flock to believe in the Consubstantial Trinity in One Godhead.
Now and ever... Theotokion
Τῆς Ἑορτῆς
Ἦχος πλ. δ'
WHEN the Saviour condescended for the sake of mankind, He accepted to be wrapped in swaddling bands. And He that was eight days old from His Mother, and beginningless from His Father, did not disdain to be circumcised in the flesh. O you faithful, let us cry unto Him: You are our God; have mercy on us.
Great Doxology page 1, in the green book
JANUARY 1
The Circumcision in the Flesh of Our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Our Father Among the Saints Basil the Great
Sunday, Tone 4
DIVINE LITURGY
Ἀντίφωνον Α', Ἦχος β'
Στίχ. Shout with jubilation unto the Lord, all the earth.
Στίχ. Chant you unto His Name.
Στίχ. Tell forth all His wonders.
Στίχ. Say unto God: How awesome are Your works!
Ἀντίφωνον Β', Ἦχος β'
Στίχ. Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice.
Save us, O Son of God, Who was circumcised in the flesh, chanting to You: Alleluia.
Στίχ. Sing unto the Lord; chant unto His Name.
Στίχ. Out of Sion is the magnificence of His comeliness.
Στίχ. Our God is in heaven and on earth; all things soever He has willed, He has done.
Ἀντίφωνον Γ', Ἦχος α'
Στίχ. Of Your mercies, O Lord, will I sing for ever.
Ἀπολυτίκιον, Ἦχος α'
OUR human form have you taken on Yourself without change,
O greatly-compassionate Master, though being God by nature;
fulfilling the Law, You willingly
receive circumcision in the flesh,
that You might end the shadow and roll away
the veil of our sinful passions.
Glory be to Your goodness unto us.
Glory be to Your compassion.
Glory, O Word, to Your inexpressible condescension.
Στίχ. I will declare Your truth with my mouth.
Στίχ. You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity.
Troparion. pg. 84
Ἦχος δ΄
Άυτόμελον
When the tidings of the resurrection from the glorious angel was proclaimed unto the women disciples and our ancestral sentence also had been abolished to the Apostles, with boasting did they proclaim that death is vanquished evermore and Christ our God has risen from the dead and granted unto the world His great mercy.
Ἀπολυτίκιον τοῦ Ἁγίου
Ἦχος α'
YOUR sound has gone forth into all the earth, which has received your word. Thereby you have divinely taught the Faith; you have made manifest the nature of all things that be; you have adorned the ways of man. O namesake of the royal priesthood, our righteous Father Basil, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Ἕτερον τῆς Ἑορτῆς
Ἦχος α'
While Gabriel was saying
OUR human form have you taken on Yourself without change,
O greatly-compassionate Master, though being God by nature;
fulfilling the Law, You willingly
receive circumcision in the flesh,
that You might end the shadow and roll away
the veil of our sinful passions.
Glory be to Your goodness unto us.
Glory be to Your compassion.
Glory, O Word, to Your inexpressible condescension.
Troparion of St. George, Tone 4
Ὡς τῶν αἰχμαλώτων ἐλευθερωτής, καὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστής, ἀσθενούντων ἰατρός, βασιλέων ὑπέρμαχος, Τροπαιοφόρε Μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.
AS the Liberator of captives, and the protector of the poor, a physician for the ill, the defender of rulers, O great Martyr, Saint George victorious, pray for us to Christ our God to save our souls.
Κοντάκιον
Ἦχος γ'
Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον
FOR the Church are you in truth
a firm foundation,
granting an inviolate
lordship unto all mortal men
and sealing it with what you have taught,
O righteous Basil, revealer of heavenly things.
Μεγαλυνάριον
All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace: the assembly of angels and the human race. You are a sanctified temple and a spiritual paradise, the glory from whom God was incarnate and became a child; our God, existing before all ages. He made your womb a throne, and your body more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in you, O full of grace. Glory to you.
Κοινωνικὸν
«Αἰνεῖτε»
Ἀντὶ τοῦ, «Εἴδομεν τὸ φῶς», λέγομεν
Ἦχος α', While Gabriel was saying
OUR human form have you taken on Yourself without change,
O greatly-compassionate Master, though being God by nature;
fulfilling the Law, You willingly
receive circumcision in the flesh,
that You might end the shadow and roll away
the veil of our sinful passions.
Glory be to Your goodness unto us.
Glory be to Your compassion.
Glory, O Word, to Your inexpressible condescension.