· Web viewGreat & Holy Friday. Royal Hours. About the second hour of the day (eight o’clock on Friday morning) the priest gives the opening blessing… FIRST HOUR

Great & Holy Friday

Royal HoursAbout the second hour of the day (eight o’clock on Friday morning)

the priest gives the opening blessing…

FIRST HOUR

Priest: Blessed is our God, always now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.Reader: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee!

O heavenly King, O Comforter, O Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere and fillest all things! O Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life! Come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One!Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us! (3 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.O most holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our

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transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.Reader: Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Come, let us worship God, our King!Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God!

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Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God!

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Psalm 5

Give ear to my words, O Lord, hear my cry. Give heed to the voice of my supplication, my King and my God, for to Thee will I pray, O Lord. In the morning Thou shalt hear my voice; in the morning I will stand before Thee, and I will watch.For Thou art not a God who wills lawlessness, nor shall the evildoer dwell with Thee. The lawless shall not stand before Thine eyes; Thou dost hate all the workers of lawlessness; Thou shalt destroy all who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of violence and deceit.But as for me, in the fullness of Thy mercy I will come into Thy house; in fear of Thee I will worship toward Thy holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Thy way before me. For there is no truth in their mouth; their heart is vain; their throat is an open grave; they deal deceptively with their tongues.Judge them, O God. Let them fall by their false accusations; cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness; for they provoke Thee, O Lord. But let all who hope in Thee be glad; they will greatly rejoice forever, for Thou will dwell in them; and all

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who love Thy name will boast in Thee. For Thou will bless the righteous; O Lord, Thou dost crown us with the shield of Thy goodwill.

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Psalm 2

Why do the nations rage, and the people meditate on vain things? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His anointed, saying, “Let us break their bands, and cast away their yokes from us.”He who sits in the heavens shall laugh at them; the Lord shall mock them. Then shall He speak to them in His wrath and trouble them in His anger, “But I was established as King by Him over His holy hill of Zion, declaring the Lord’s decree.The Lord said to Me, ‘Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee; ask of Me, and I will give Thee the nations for Thine inheritance and the ends of the earth for Thy possession. Thou shall shepherd them with an iron staff; Thou shall shatter them like a potter’s vessel.’”And now, O kings, understand; be instructed, all you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice in Him with trembling. Lay hold of His instruction, lest the Lord be angry, and you perish from the righteous way when His fury shall be quickly kindled. Blessed are all who trust in Him.

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Psalm 21

O God, my God, hear me; why hast Thou forsaken me? The words of my transgressions are far from my salvation. O my God, I will cry out by day, but Thou dost not hear me; and by night, but not for a lack of understanding in me. But Thou dost dwell among the saints, O praise of Israel.Our fathers hoped in Thee; they hoped in Thee, and Thou didst deliver them. They cried out to Thee and were saved; they hoped in Thee and were not ashamed. But I am a worm, and not a man; a reproach of man and despised by the people.All who see me mock me; they speak with their lips and shake their head, saying, “He hoped in the Lord, let Him rescue him; let Him save him since He delights in him.” For Thou art He who drew me from the womb, my hope from my mother’s breasts;I was cast upon Thee from the womb, from my mother’s womb Thou art my God. Do not stand off from me, for affliction is near; there is no one to help. Many young bulls surrounded me; fat bulls encircled me.

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They opened their mouths against me like a raging and roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are shattered; my heart is like wax, melting into my stomach. My strength is dried up like an earthen vessel; my tongue cleaves to my throat; and Thou hast led me into the dust of death.For many dogs surrounded me; an assembly of evildoers enclosed me; they pierced my hands and my feet. I numbered all my bones, and they look and stare at me. They divided my garments among themselves. And for my clothing they cast lots.But Thou, O Lord, do not remove Thy help from me; attend to my aid. Deliver my soul from the sword and my only-begotten from the hand of the dog; save me from the lion’s mouth, my humiliation from the horns of the unicorns.I will declare Thy name to my brethren; in the midst of the church I will sing to Thee. You who fear the Lord, praise Him. All you seed of Jacob, glorify Him; fear Him, all you seed of Israel. For He has not despised nor scorned the beggar’s supplication, nor has He turned away His face from me; and when I cried out to Him, He heard me.My praise is from Thee in the great church; I will pay my vows before those who fear Him. The poor shall

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eat and be well-filled, and those who seek Him will praise the Lord; their hearts will live unto ages of ages. All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all families of the Gentiles shall worship before Thee,For the kingdom is the Lord’s; and He is the Master of the Gentiles. All the prosperous of the earth ate and worshiped; all going down into the earth shall bow down before Him, and my soul lives with Him.And my seed shall serve Him; the coming generation shall be told of the Lord, and they will declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, because the Lord made them.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to Thee, O God! (3 times)Lord, have mercy. (3 times)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

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Troparion

TONE 1When Thou wast crucified, O Christ,The tyranny of the enemy was destroyed,And his power was trampled underfoot.For it was not an angel nor a man that saved us, //But Thou Thyself, O Lord: glory to Thee.

Now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

What shall we call thee, O full of Grace?Heaven? For thou hast made the Sun of

Righteousness shine forth.Paradise? For thou hast put forth the flower of

immortality.Virgin? For thou hast remained inviolate.Pure Mother? For thou hast held in thy holy embrace

a Son who is God of all.//Pray to Him for the salvation of our souls.

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Then we sing the following stichera:

TONE 8Today the veil of the temple is rent in twain,As a reproof against the transgressors;And the sun hides its own rays.Seeing the Master crucified.Today the veil of the temple is rent in twain,As a reproof against the transgressors;And the sun hides its own rays. //Seeing the Master crucified.

v. Why do the nations rage, and the people meditate on vain things?

Same ToneThou was led as a sheep to the slaughter, O Christ

our King,And as an innocent Lamb Thou was nailed to the

Cross by wicked men for our sins,//In Thy love for mankind.

v. The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed.

Thou was led as a sheep to the slaughter, O Christ our King,

And as an innocent Lamb Thou was nailed to the Cross by wicked men for our sins,//

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In Thy love for mankind.


Same ToneSuffering the transgressors to lay hold on Thee, O

Lord,Thou hast cried aloud: ‘Although ye smite the

Shepherd,And scatter abroad the twelve sheep, My disciples,Yet could I call to Mine aid more than twelve legions

of angels.But in My patience I forbear that the hidden secrets,I made known, to you through My prophets may be

fulfilled,’//O Lord, glory to Thee.


Suffering the transgressors to lay hold on Thee, O Lord,

Thou hast cried aloud: ‘Although ye smite the Shepherd,

And scatter abroad the twelve sheep, My disciples,Yet could I call to Mine aid more than twelve legions

of angels.But in My patience I forbear that the hidden secrets,I made known, to you through My prophets may be

fulfilled,’//O Lord, glory to Thee.

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Priest: Let us attend! Peace be unto all!

Reader: And to your spirit!

Priest: Wisdom!

Prokiemenon of the Prophecy (Psalm 40):Reader: The prokiemenon of the Prophecy is in the

_4 th _ TONE:

v. Blessed is he who considers the poor and needy.

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading from the Prophecy of Zechariah

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His heart gathered iniquity to itself he -

and spoke - of it.

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Priest: Let us attend!

Reader: Zechariah 11:10-13Thus says the Lord Almighty: “I shall take my staff Beauty, and I shall cast it away, to break my covenant which I made with all the people. And in that day they will be scattered about. And the Canaanites shall know the flock is kept safe, for this is the word of the Lord. And I shall say to them, “If it is fitting in your judgment, give me my payment, or refuse it.” And they established my wage at thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, “Drop them into the smelting furnace and see if it is proven, as in the same manner I was proven for their sake.” And I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the smelting furnace in the house of the Lord.

Priest: WisdomReader: The reading is from the Epistle of the Holy

Apostle Paul to the Galatians.


Reader: Galatians 6:14-18Brethren: God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new

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creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Priest: Peace be unto you, who have read the Holy Epistle.

Reader: And to your spirit.

Priest: And that we may be accounted worthy of listening to the Holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord, God!

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Matthew 27:1-56

When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests

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and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”

And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”

Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.”

Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do

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you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”

They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He

done?”But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him

be crucified!”When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all,

but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”

And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison

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around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they spat on Him and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and lead Him away to be crucified.

Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, Him they compelled to bear His cross. And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink.

Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet:

They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.

Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him:

THIS IS JESUSTHE KING OF THE JEWS

Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.

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And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If you are the son of God, come down from the cross.”

Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabacthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!” Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. The rest said, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.”

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints

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who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection; they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

Reader: Order my steps in Thy word: and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Deliver me from the false accusation of men: so will I keep Thy Commandments.

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Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and teach me Thy statutes.

Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise, O Lord: that I may sing of Thy glory and majesty all the day long.

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Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us! (3)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.O most holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

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Reader: Lord, have mercy. (40 times)O Thou Who at every season and every hour in

Heaven and on earth art worshipped and glorified, O Christ our God – longsuffering, greatly-merciful and deeply-compassionate; Who lovest the just and showest mercy upon the sinner; Who callest all men to salvation through the promise of good things to come:

Do Thou, the same Lord, accept also our prayers in this hour, and direct our lives according to Thy

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commandments. Sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, guide aright our minds, cleanse our thoughts and deliver us from every affliction, evil and sickness. Compass us about with Thy holy Angels, that guarded and guided by their legions we may attain unto unity of faith and the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory, for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious, beyond compare, than the Seraphim, without defilement thou gavest birth to God the Word; true Theotokos, we magnify thee.

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless.Priest: O God take pity on us and bless us, and show the light of Thy countenance upon us, and have mercy upon us.Reader: Amen.Priest: O Christ the true Light that enlighteneth and sactifieth every man that comes into the world; Let the light of Thy countenance shine upon us, that in

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it we might behold the unapproachable light. Guide our footsteps in the keeping of Thy commandments, by the prayers of Thy Most-pure Mother and of all Thy Saints. Amen.

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THIRD HOUR

Come, let us worship God, our King!Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God!Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God!

Psalm 34

O Lord, judge those who injure me; make war on those who war on me. Take hold of weapon and shield, and rise up to my help. Bring forth the sword, and confine those in opposition who pursue me; say to my soul, “I am thy salvation.”

Let those who seek my soul be dishonored and shamed; let those who plot evils against me be turned backward and disappointed. Let them be like dust in the wind’s face. And let the Angel of the Lord afflict them. Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the Angel of the Lord pursue them.

For without cause they hid the destruction of their trap for me; in vain they reproached my soul. Let a trap they do not know catch them, and they themselves shall fall into the same trap. But my soul

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shall greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall delight in His salvation.

All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like Thee? Thou who doest deliver a poor man from hands stronger than he, and a poor and needy man from those who plunder him.” Unjust witnesses rose up against me, asking me things I knew nothing about; They repaid me evil for good, and bereavement for my soul.

But I put on sackcloth when they troubled me. And I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer will return into my bosom. Like a neighbor, like our brother, so they were well-pleasing; like one who laments and is of a sad countenance, so I humbled myself. But they were delighted, and were gathered together against me; whips were gathered together against me, but I did not know it; they were torn asunder, yet they were not pierced to the heart.

They tempted me; they mocked and sneered at me; they gnashed their teeth at me. O Lord, when will Thou look on this? Restore my soul from their malice, my only-begotten from the lions. I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, in the great church; I will praise Thee among a mighty people.

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Let them not rejoice over me, those who are unjustly my enemies, those who hate me without a cause, and wink with their eyes. For they spoke peace to me, but in their wrath they schemed deceit, and opened wide their mouth at me, saying, “Well done! Well Done! Our eyes saw it!”

Thou, O Lord, saw this; do not keep silence; O Lord, do not be far from me. Arise, O Lord attend to my judgment, my God and my Lord, to my cause. Judge me according to Thy righteousness, O Lord my God, and let them not rejoice against me;

Let them not say in their heart “Well done! Well done! Our soul!” Let them not say, “We swallowed him up!” May those who rejoice at my troubles be altogether dishonored and shamed; let those who boast against me be clothed with shame and humiliation. Let those who desire my righteousness greatly rejoice, and be glad, and let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified,” those who desire His servant’s peace.

And my tongue shall meditate on Thy righteousness, and on Thy praise all the day long.

Psalm 108

O God, do not pass over my praise in silence, for the mouth of the sinner and the mouth of the

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deceitful man opened against me; they spoke against me with a deceitful tongue; and they surrounded me with rods of hatred, and warred against me without cause.

Instead of loving me, they falsely accused me. But I continued to pray; so they repaid me evil for good, and hatred for my love. Set a sinner over him, and let the devil stand at his right hand. And when he is judged, may he go forth condemned, and let his prayer become sin. Let his days be very few, and may a different man receive his office;

Let his children be fatherless and his wife a widow; let his children wander about and be beggars; let them be cast out of their houses. Let the creditor search out whatever possessions he has; let strangers plunder his labors; let there be no helper for him, nor a compassionate one for his fatherless children;

Let his children be utterly destroyed; in a single generation, let his name be blotted out. May the lawlessness of his fathers be remembered before the Lord, and may the sin of his mother not be blotted out; let them be continually before the Lord and may the remembrance of them be utterly destroyed from the earth,

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Because he did not remember to show mercy, but persecuted a poor and needy man, and one pierced to the heart, that he might kill him, and he loved cursing, and it came to him, and he did not desire blessing, so it shall be far from him. So he clothed himself with cursing like a garment, and it entered like water into his bowels and like oil into his bones;

Let it be for him like a garment that clothes him, and like a belt that girds him continually. This is the work of those who falsely accuse me before the Lord, and of those who speak evil things against my soul. But Thou, O Lord, O Lord, deal mercifully with me for Thy name’s sake, for Thy mercy is good.

Save me, for I am poor and needy, and my heart is troubled within me. I was removed like a shadow when it declines; I was shaken off like the locusts. My knees were weak from fasting, and my flesh was changed because of the oil.

And I became an object of reproach to them; they saw me; they shook their heads. Help me, O Lord my God; save me according to Thy mercy; then let them know this is Thy hand, and Thou, O Lord did this.

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They themselves shall curse, but Thou shall bless; let those who rise up against me be put to shame, but let Thy servant be glad. Let those who falsely accuse me be clothed with shame. And let them be covered with their dishonor like a double cloak. I will give thanks to the Lord abundantly with my mouth, and in the midst of many I will praise Him, because He stood at the right hand of a poor man, to save me from those who persecute my soul.

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the abundance of Thy compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me.

Against Thee only have I sinned and done evil in Thy sight; that Thou mayest be justified in Thy words, and overcome when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, Thou lovest truth; Thou hast showed me the unknown and secret things of Thy wisdom.

Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; Thou shalt wash me, and I will be made

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whiter than snow. Thou shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold me with Thy guiding Spirit.

I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to Thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shat open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou didst desire sacrifice, I would give it; Thou shall not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built;

Then Thou shalt be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Thine altar.

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TroparionTONE 6

O Lord, the Jews condemned Thee to death,Who art the Life of all;With Moses’ rod Thou hast led them on dry ground through the Red Sea,Yet they nailed Thee to the Cross;Thou that suckled them with honey from the rock,Yet they gave Thee gall.But Thou hast willingly endured these things, to free us from the bondage of the enemy.//O Christ our God, glory to Thee.


O Theotokos, thou art the true vineThat has put forth the fruit of life.

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We pray thee, Lady, intercede together with the apostles and all the saints,//

That mercy may be granted to our souls.


TONE 8Through fear of the Jews, Thy friend and companion

Peter denied Thee, O Lord,And in bitter grief he cried aloud: ‘Pass not by my

tears in silence,O compassionate Master; for I said I would keep

faith, and I have not kept it.’Accept also our repentance and have mercy upon

us.Through fear of the Jews, Thy friend and companion

Peter denied Thee, O Lord,And in bitter grief he cried aloud: ‘Pass not by my

tears in silence,O compassionate Master; for I said I would keep

faith, and I have not kept it.’//Accept also our repentance and have mercy upon

us.

v. Give ear to my words, O Lord; attend to my cry.

Same ToneWhen the soldiers mocked Thee, O Lord,

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Before Thy death upon the precious Cross,The heavenly hosts were struck with wonder.For Thou who has adorned the earth with flowers

wast arrayed in a crown of shame;And Thou who hast wrapped the firmament in

clouds wast clothed in a robe of mockery.Thus in Thy providence, O Christ, //Thou hast made known Thy compassion and great

mercy: glory be to Thee.

v. Hearken unto the voice of my prayer, my King and my God.

When the soldiers mocked Thee, O Lord,Before Thy death upon the precious Cross,The heavenly hosts were struck with wonder.For Thou who has adorned the earth with flowers

wast arrayed in a crown of shame;And Thou who hast wrapped the firmament in

clouds wast clothed in a robe of mockery.Thus in Thy providence, O Christ, //Thou hast made known Thy compassion and great

mercy: glory be to Thee.


TONE 5

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When Thou wast raised upon the Cross,Thou hast cried, O Lord:‘For what deed do ye seek to crucify Me, O ye Jews?Is it because I made your paralyzed to walk,Because I raised the dead as though from sleep?I healed her that had an issue of blood, and took

pity on the woman of Canaan:For what deed do ye seek to kill Me, O ye Jews?//But, O transgressors, ye shall look on Christ whom

now ye pierce.


When Thou wast raised upon the Cross,Thou hast cried, O Lord:‘For what deed do ye seek to crucify Me, O ye Jews?Is it because I made your paralyzed to walk,Because I raised the dead as though from sleep?I healed her that had an issue of blood, and took

pity on the woman of Canaan:For what deed do ye seek to kill Me, O ye Jews?//But, O transgressors, ye shall look on Christ whom

now ye pierce.



Priest: Wisdom!

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Prokiemenon of the Prophecy (Psalm 37):Reader: The prokiemenon of the Prophecy is in the

_4 th _ TONE:

v. O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger: neither chasten me in Thy displeasure.

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading from the Prophecy of Isaiah.


Reader: Isaiah 50:4-11 “The Lord gives Me the tongue of the learned,

so as to know when to speak a word at a fitting time; and He causes My ear to listen each morning. The Lord’s instruction opens My ears, and I am not disobedient, nor do I contradict Him. I gave My back

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I am ready for scourging: and - my - pain

is ev - er with

to whips, and My cheeks to blows; and I turned not away My face from the shame of spitting. The Lord became My helper; therefore, I was not disgraced. But I made My face like a solid rock and knew I would not be ashamed. For He who pronounces Me righteous draws near. Who is he who judges Me? Let him oppose Me at the same time. Who is he who judges Me? Let him come near Me. Behold, the Lord will help Me. Who will harm Me? Behold, all of you will grow old like a garment, and old age will devour you, as a moth does a garment. Who among you fears the Lord? Let him listen to the voices of His Servant. You who walk in darkness and have no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon God. Behold, all of you kindle a fire and feed a flame. Walk in the light of your fire and the flame you kindled. This happened to you for My sake, and you shall lie down in sorrow.


Apostle Paul to the Romans.


Reader: Romans 5:6-10Brethren: For when we were still without

strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet

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perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.




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Priest: Let us attend!Mark 15:16-41

Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him,

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they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. And they brought Him to the place Golgatha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take. Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. And the inscription of His accusation was written above:

THE KING OF THE JEWS.

With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”

Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let the Christ the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.

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Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a read and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”

And Jesus cried out with a loud voice and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

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Reader: Blessed be the Lord God, blessed be the Lord from day to day, and may the God of our salvation prosper us, for He is our God, the God of salvation.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us! (3)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.O most holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

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Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

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In the name of the Lord, Father, bless.Priest: O God take pity on us and bless us, and show the light of Thy countenance upon us, and have mercy upon us.Reader: Amen.

O Master, God the Father Almighty, O Lord, the Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and O Holy Spirit, One Godhead, One Power: Have mercy on me a

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sinner, and according to Thy judgments which Thou knowest, save me, Thine unworthy servant, for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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SIXTH HOUR


Psalm 53

Save me, O God, in Thy name, and judge me in Thy power. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers rise up against me, and the powerful seek after my soul; they have not set God before them.

For behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the protector of my soul. He will return evils to my enemies; utterly destroy them in Thy truth. I will sacrifice to Thee voluntarily; I will give thanks to Thy name, O Lord, for it is good. Thou shall deliver me from all my afflictions, and my eye looked upon my enemies.

Psalm 139

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Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man, rescue me from the unjust man, who devised wrongdoing in their heart; they arrayed themselves for war all day long; they sharpened their tongue like a serpent; the venom of asps was under their lips.

Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the sinner; deliver me from unjust men who plotted to trip up my steps; the arrogant hid a trap for me, and they stretched out ropes as snares for my feet; they set a stumbling block for me near my path. I said to the Lord, “Thou art my God; give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplication.

O Lord, O Lord, the power of my salvation, Thou hast overshadowed my head in the day of war. Because of my desire, O Lord, do not hand me over to the sinner; they plotted against me; do not forsake me, lest they be exalted. As for the head of those who encircle me, the toil of their lips shall cover them.

Coals shall fall upon them; Thou shalt overthrow them with fire; do not let them withstand hardships a talkative man shall not prosper on earth; evils shall hunt the unjust man to destruction. I know the Lord will maintain the cause of the poor man and the justice of the needy. Surely the righteous shall

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give thanks to Thy name, and the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.

Psalm 90

He who dwells in the help of the Most High shall lodge in the shelter of the God of heaven. He shall say to the Lord, “Thou art my protector and my refuge, my God; I will hope in Him; for He shall free me from the snare of the hunters, and from every troubling word.”

He shall overshadow thee with His shoulders, and under His wings thou shall hope; His truth shall encircle thee with a shield. Thou shall not be frightened by fear at night, nor from an arrow that flies by day, nor by a thing moving in the darkness, nor by mishap and a demon of noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand, yet it shall not come near thee; but thou shalt observe with thine eyes, and thou shalt see the reward of sinners, for Thou, O Lord, art my hope; Thou madest the Most High thy refuge.

Evils shall not come to thee, and a scourge shall not draw near thy dwelling; for He shall command His angels concerning thee, to keep thee in all thy

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ways; in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest thou strike thy foot against a stone;

Thou shalt tread upon the asp and the basilisk, and thou shalt trample the lion and the dragon. For he hoped in Me, and I will deliver him; I will shelter him, because he knew My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will hear him; I am with him in affliction and I will deliver and glorify him. With length of days I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to Thee, O God! (3 times)Lord, have mercy. (3 times)


TroparionTONE 2

O Christ our God, Thou hast worked salvation in the midst of the earth:

Thou hast stretched out Thy most pure hands upon the Cross,And gathered together all the nations, as they cry: //

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O Lord, glory to Thee.


As there is no boldness in us because of the multitude of our sins,Do thou, O Virgin Theotokos, intercede with the Son

whom thou hast born,For entreaty of His Mother has great power to win

the favor of the Master.Despise not, O all-honored Lady, the prayers of

sinners, //For He who took upon Himself to suffer for our sake

is merciful and strong to save.

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TONE 8Thus says the Lord to the Jews:‘O My people, what have I done unto thee?Or wherein have I wearied thee?I gave light to the blindAnd cleansed the lepers,I raised up the man who lay upon his bed.O My people,What have I done unto thee,And how hast thou repaid Me?Instead of manna thou hast given Me gall,Instead of water vinegar;Instead of loving Me, thou hast nailed Me to the Cross.I can endure no more.I shall call My Gentiles And they shall glorify Me with the Father and the Spirit;And I shall bestow on them eternal life’.Thus says the Lord to the Jews:‘O My people, what have I done unto thee?Or wherein have I wearied thee?I gave light to the blindAnd cleansed the lepers,I raised up the man who lay upon his bed.O My people,What have I done unto thee,And how hast thou repaid Me?

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Instead of manna thou hast given Me gall,Instead of water vinegar;Instead of loving Me, thou hast nailed Me to the Cross.I can endure no more.I shall call My Gentiles And they shall glorify Me with the Father and the Spirit; //And I shall bestow on them eternal life’.

v. They gave Me gall to eat: and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.

O lawgivers of Israel,Ye Jews and Pharisees,The company of the apostles cries aloud to you:Behold the Temple that ye have destroyed;Behold the Lamb that ye have crucified.Ye gave Him over to the tomb,But by His own powerHe has risen again.Be not deceived, ye Jews:For this is He who saved you in the sea and fed you

in the wilderness. //He is the Life and Light and Peace of the world.

v. Save me, O God: for the waters are come in, even unto my soul.

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O lawgivers of Israel,Ye Jews and Pharisees,The company of the apostles cries aloud to you:Behold the Temple that ye have destroyed;Behold the Lamb that ye have crucified.Ye gave Him over to the tomb,But by His own powerHe has risen again.Be not deceived, ye Jews:For this is He who saved you in the sea and fed you

in the wilderness. //He is the Life and Light and Peace of the world.


TONE 5Come, Christ-bearing people, let us see What Judas the traitor has plotted with lawless

priests against our Savior.Today they judged the immortal Word guilty of

death:They delivered Him to Pilate and crucified Him on

Golgotha.And as our Savior suffered these things,He cried aloud, saying: ‘Father forgive them this sin,

//That the Gentiles may know My Resurrection from

the dead.’

Now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.58

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Come, Christ-bearing people, let us see What Judas the traitor has plotted with lawless

priests against our Savior.Today they judged the immortal Word guilty of

death:They delivered Him to Pilate and crucified Him on

Golgotha.And as our Savior suffered these things,He cried aloud, saying: ‘Father forgive them this sin,

//That the Gentiles may know My Resurrection from

the dead.’



Priest: Wisdom!

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Prokimenon of the Prophecy (Psalm 37):Reader: The prokiemenon of the Prophecy is in the _4 th _

TONE:

v. For Thy majesty is lifted high above the

heavens.

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading from the Prophecy of Isaiah.


Reader: Isaiah 52:13-54:1

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O Lord, our Lord

how

is - Thy Name in all - the earth.

Behold, My Servant shall have wisdom, and He shall be exalted and glorified exceedingly. Just as many shall be astonished at Thee, so Thy form and glory shall be dishonored by men. Thus many nations shall marvel at Him, and kings shall shut their mouth, because they to whom no report was brought concerning Him shall see; and they who did not hear shall understand.

O Lord, who has believed our report, and to whom was the arm of the Lord revealed? We proclaimed His presence as a Child, as a Root in a thirsty land. He had no form or glory, and we saw Him; and He had no form or beauty. But in comparison to all men, His form was lacking in honor. He was a man in suffering and knew how to bear sickness. His face was turned away, and He was dishonored and not esteemed. He bears our sins and suffers for us, yet we considered Him to be in pain, suffering, and ill-treatment. But He was wounded because of our lawlessness, and became sick because of our sins. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His bruise we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray. Man has gone astray in his way, and the Lord delivered Him over for our sins. Although He was ill-treated, He opened not His mouth. He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb is silent before his shearers, so He opens not His mouth. In His humiliation His judgment was taken away, and who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from

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the earth, and because of the lawlessness of My people He was led to death. I will appoint evil men for His burial and rich men for His death, because He committed no lawlessness, nor was deceit found in His mouth. The Lord wishes to cleanse Him of His wound, and if Thou givest an offering for sin, Thy soul shall see a long-lived seed. The Lord wishes to take away the pain of His soul, to show Him light, to form Him with understanding, and to pronounce righteous the Righteous One who serves many well; and He shall bear their sins. Therefore He shall inherit many, and will divide the spoilwith the strong, because His soul was delivered over to death. He was considered among the lawless, and He bore the sins of many, and was delivered over because of their sins. “Be glad, O barren woman who does not bear; break forth and cry out, you who are not in travail, for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord.


Apostle Paul to the Hebrews.


Reader: Hebrews 1:11-18Brethren: For both He who sanctifies and those

who are being sanctified are all of one, for which 63

reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying:

“I will declare Thy name to My brethren: in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to Thee.”

And again:

“Here am I and the children whom God has given to Me.”

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.


Reader: And to your spirit.64


Priest: Let us attend!Luke 23:32-49

There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive

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them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”

The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”

And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your

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hands I commit my spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last.

So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!”

And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Reader: Let Thy tender mercies, O Lord, speedily go before us, for we are become exceedingly poor. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy Name: O Lord, deliver us and purge away our sins for Thy Name’s sake.

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Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us! (3)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.O most holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

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O God, the Lord of Hosts and Fashioner of all creation, Who, in Thine incomparable tender mercy, didst send down Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord

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Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our kind, and through His precious Cross didst tear asunder the handwriting of our sins, thereby triumphing over the principalities and powers of darkness: Do Thou the same Lord, O Master and Lover of Mankind, accept also these prayers and thanksgiving and supplication from us sinners, and deliver us from ever deadly and dark transgression, and from all the visible and invisible enemies that seek after us to do us harm. Nail our flesh with the fear of Thee, and let not our hearts incline to evil words or thoughts. But wound our souls with Thy love, that looking ever unto Thee, and guided by Thee in the light, beholding Thee, the Eternal Light that no man can approach, we may offer up unceasing praise and thanksgiving unto Thee- the Father Who is without beginning, together with Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thine All-holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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NINTH HOUR


Psalm 68

Save me, O God, for the waters flood my soul. I am stuck in the mire of the sea, and there is no place to stand; I came into the depths of the sea, and the storm overwhelmed me. I grow weary with crying; my throat is hoarse; my eyes fail me from hoping in my God.

Those who hate me without a cause multiplied even more than the hairs of my head; my enemies who persecute me unjustly have become strong; then I paid for things I did not steal. O God, Thou knowest my foolishness, and my transgressions are not hidden from Thee. O Lord, O Lord of hosts, let not those who wait for Thee be put to shame because of me; O God of Israel, let not those who seek Thee feel ashamed because of me.

For Thy sake I bore disgrace; humiliation covered my face. I am become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother’s sons; for the zeal

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of Thy house consumed me, and the insults of those who disgraced Thee fell on me.

I bent down my soul with fasting, and it became a disgrace for me. I also made sackcloth my garment, and I became a byword to them. Those who sit at the gate were talking against me, and those who drink wine were singing about me.

But I, O Lord, pray with my prayer to Thee; it is the time of Thy goodwill, O God, in the abundance of Thy mercies; in the truth of Thy salvation, hear me. Save me from the mire, that I may not be stuck therein; deliver me from those who hate me, and from the depths of the waters. Let not a storm of water drown me; neither let the deep swallow me up, nor the well enclose its mouth upon me.

Hear me, O Lord, for Thy mercy is good; according to Thy abundant compassion, look upon me. Turn not Thy face from Thy child, for I am afflicted; hear me speedily. Deliver me because of my enemies.

For Thou knowest my disgrace and my shame and humiliation; all who afflict me are before Thee. My soul expected disgrace and trouble, and I waited for someone to sympathize with me; but no one was there, and for comforters, but I found not one. They gave me gall for my food, and they gave me vinegar for my drink.

Let their table become a snare before them, and a recompense and a stumbling block. Let their eyes be darkened so they may not see, and bend down

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their backs continually; pour out Thine anger upon them, and let the fury of Thy wrath lay hold of them.

Let their dwelling place be laid waste, and let no one live in their tents. For they pursued closely the one Thou hast slain, and they added to the pain of my wounds. Add lawlessness to their lawlessness, and let them not enter into Thy righteousness;

Let them be blotted out from the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. I am poor and suffering, and the salvation of Thy presence, O God, lays hold of me. I will praise God’s name with a song; I will magnify Him in praise,

And this shall be more pleasing to God than a young bull with horns and hooves. Let the poor behold this, and be glad; seek God, and thy soul shall live, for the Lord hears the poor, and does not despise His prisoners.

Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them. For God shall save Zion, and the cities of Judah shall be built; and they shall dwell therein, and inherit it; and the seed of His servants shall possess it, and those who love His name shall dwell in it.

Psalm 69

O God, make haste to help me. May those who seek my soul be dishonored and shamed; may those who plot evils against me be turned back and disgraced; may those be turned back immediately who shame me, saying, “Well done! Well done!”

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May all who seek Thee greatly rejoice and be glad in Thee, and let those who love Thy salvation always say, “Let God be magnified.” But I am poor and needy; O God, help me. Thou art my helper and deliverer, O Lord; do not delay.

Psalm 85

Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and hear me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my soul, for I am holy; O my God, save Thy servant, who hopes in Thee. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for all the day long I will cry to Thee.

Gladden the soul of Thy servant, O Lord, for to Thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For Thou, O Lord, art kind and good, and very merciful to all who call upon Thee. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer and heed the voice of my supplication.

In the day of my affliction I cried to Thee, for Thou doest hear me. There is none like Thee among the gods, O Lord, and there are no works like Thy works. All the Gentiles Thou hast made shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord, and they shall glorify Thy name;

For Thou art great, doing wonders; Thou alone art the great God. Lead me in Thy way, O Lord, and I will walk in Thy truth; gladden my heart so as to fear Thy name. I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I shall glorify Thy name forever;

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For great is Thy mercy to me, and Thou hast rescued my soul from the lowest Hades. O God, lawless men rose up against me, and a gathering of strong men sought my soul; and they did not set Thee before them. But Thou, O Lord, art compassionate and merciful, longsuffering and very merciful and truthful.

Look upon me and have mercy; give Thy strength to Thy servant, and save the son of Thy handmaid. Work a sign in my midst for good, and let those who hate me see it and be disgraced; for Thou, O Lord, helped me and comforted me.



TroparionTONE 8

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When the thief beheld the Author of life hanging upon the Cross,

He said: ‘If it were not God incarnate that is crucified with us,

The sun would not have hid its rays nor would the earth have quaked and trembled. //

But, all-forbearing Lord, remember me in Thy Kingdom.’


O loving Lord, for our sakes Thou wast born of a Virgin and hast endured Crucifixion, despoiling death by death, and as God Thou hast revealed the Resurrection. Despise not Thy handywork, but show Thy love for man, O merciful Lord. Accept the intercessions made on our behalf by the Theotokos who bore Thee; and save, O our Savior, Thy people from despair.


TONE 7A strange wonder it was to behold the Creator Of heaven and earth hanging upon the Cross.The sun was darkened and the day was changed

again to night,And the earth gave up the bodies of the dead from

their tombs.With them we worship Thee: O save us.

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A strange wonder it was to behold the Creator Of heaven and earth hanging upon the Cross.The sun was darkened and the day was changed

again to night,And the earth gave up the bodies of the dead from

their tombs. //With them we worship Thee: O save us.

v. They parted My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.

TONE 2When the transgressors nailed Thee, O Lord of

glory,To the Cross, Thou hast cried aloud to them:“How have I grieved you? Or wherein have I

angered you?Before Me, who delivered you from tribulation?And how do you repay Me? Ye have given Me evil

for good:In return for the cloud, ye have dug a grave for Me.Instead of manna, ye have given Me gall; instead of

water, ye have given Me vinegar to drink.Henceforth I shall call the Gentiles, //And they shall glorify Me with the Father and the

Holy Spirit.

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v. They gave Me gall to eat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.

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When the transgressors nailed Thee, O Lord of glory,To the Cross, Thou hast cried aloud to them:“How have I grieved you? Or wherein have I

angered you?Before Me, who delivered you from tribulation?And how do you repay Me? Ye have given Me evil

for good:In return for the cloud, ye have dug a grave for Me.Instead of manna, ye have given Me gall; instead of

water, ye have given Me vinegar to drink.Henceforth I shall call the Gentiles, //And they shall glorify Me with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

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

TONE 6Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is

hung upon the Tree (3 times)He Who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown

of thorns.He Who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in

the purple of mockery.He Who in the Jordan set Adam free is slapped upon

His face.The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with

nails.80

The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear.We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ (3 times).Show us also Thy glorious Resurrection.

Priest: Let us attend! Peace be unto all!Reader: And to your spirit!

Priest: Wisdom!

Prokimenon of the Prophecy (Psalm 13):

Reader: The prokiemenon of the Prophecy is in the _6 th _ TONE:

v. There is none that does good, no, not one.

Priest: Wisdom!81

Reader: The reading from the Prophecy of Jeremiah.


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Reader: Jeremiah 11:18-23; 12:1-5, 9-11, 14-15For I did not know I was like an innocent lamb

led to be sacrificed. They plotted an evil device against me, saying, “Come, let us put wood in his bread, and destroy him root and branch from the land of the living, so his name might not be remembered any longer. But, O Lord, Thou who judgest righteously, Who tests minds and hearts, let me see Thy vengeance on them, for I have revealed my righteous plea to Thee. Therefore thus says the Lord against the men of Anathoth, against those who seek my life, and who say, “Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord, lest thou die by our hands” – “Behold, I will visit them. The young men shall die by the sword, and their sons and daughters shall die by famine. There shall be no remnant of them, for I will bring calamities on the inhabitants of Anathoth in the year of their visitation.”

O Lord, Thou art righteous, that I may plead my case with Thee, to speak to Thee concerning judgments. Why does the way of the ungodly prosper, and all who deal treacherously flourish? Thou didst plant them, and they took root. They bear children and are fruitful. Thou art near in their mouth, but far from their mind. But Thou, O Lord, knowest me. Thou hast proven my heart before Thee. Set them apart for the day of slaughter. How long will the land mourn and the grass of the field wither, because of the vices of those who dwell in it? The cattle and the birds are destroyed, because

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they said, “God will not see our ways.” Thy feet run and grow weary. How then will thou prepare thyself to run with horses? Thou art confident when the land is peaceful, but what will thou do when the Jordan floods the land?

Is not My inheritance the cave of a hyena to Me, or a cave it walks around? Gather together all the wild beasts of the field and let them come to devour her. Many shepherds destroyed My vineyard and defiled My portion. They turned My pleasing portion into an impassable desert. It was made a complete ruin. The whole land was utterly destroyed for My sake, because there was no man who took it to heart. For thus says the Lord: “Concerning all the evil neighbors who touch My inheritance, which I divided to My people Israel – behold, I shall draw them away from their land and will cast out Judah from their midst. Then it shall come to pass, after I cast them out, that I will return them and have mercy on them. I will settle them, each in his inheritance and each in his land.


Apostle Paul to the Hebrews.


Reader: Hebrews 10:19-31

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Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

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Priest: Let us attend!John 18:28-19:37

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Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.” Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die. Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

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Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands. Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You

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not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to You has the greater sin.”From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.

And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:

JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

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Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’”Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” That the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:

“They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.”

Therefore the soldiers did these things. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour

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wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” And again another Scriptures says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

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Reader: Deliver us not up unto the end, for Thy holy Name’s sake, neither disannul Thou Thy covenant; and cause not Thy mercy to depart from us, for the sake for Abraham Thy beloved, and Isaac Thy servant, and Israel Thy holy one.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us! (3)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.O most holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

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Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

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O Master and Lord, Jesus Christ our God, who art longsuffering towards our faults and hast brought us even unto this present hour, in which, hanging upon

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the life-giving Cross, Thou hast opened unto the good thief the way into Paradise, and destroyed death by death: be merciful to us, Thy sinful and unworthy servants, for we have sinned and transgressed, and we are not worthy to lift up our eyes and look at the height of heaven, since we have forsaken the path of Thy righteousness and have walked according to the desires of our own hearts. But we pray Thee of Thy boundless goodness, spare us, O Lord, according to the abundance of Thy mercy, and save us for Thy holy Name’s sake, for our days have been consumed in vanity. Pluck us from the hand of the adversary, forgive us our sins, and kill our fleshly lusts, that putting off the old man, we may put on the new, and may live for Thee, our Master and Protector; that so, following Thine ordinances, we may attain to the eternal rest, in the place where all the joyful dwell. For Thou, O Christ our God, art indeed the true joy and gladness of those that love Thee, and to Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father who is without beginning, and Thy most holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

THE TYPIKA

The Beatitudes (are read)In Thy Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.

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Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the

earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.Blessed are you when men shall revile and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake.Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven.

The heavenly choir praises Thee and cries: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.

verse: Come unto Him, and be enlightened, and your faces shall not be ashamed.

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The heavenly choir praises Thee and cries: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.


The choir of holy Angels and Archangels, with all the heavenly hosts, praises Thee and cries: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen

I believe in on God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God; begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made;Who for us, and for our salvation, came down from Heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; And ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end;

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And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the Prophets; In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Loose, remit, forgive, O God, our transgressions, voluntary and involuntary; whether of word or of deed; whether of knowledge or of ignorance; whether of the day or of the night; whether of the mind or of the intention; forgive us everything, for Thou art good and lovest mankind.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

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Reader: Lord, have mercy. (40 times)O most Holy Trinity, Might one in essence, the

indivisible Kingdom, and cause of every good: Show Thy good will now even unto me, the sinner; make steadfast my heart and grant it understanding, and take away mine every defilement; enlighten my mind that I may glorify, hymn, worship, and say: One is Holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

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Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from henceforth and for evermore. (3 times)

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

Psalm 33I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall

continually be in my mouth. My soul shall be praised in the Lord; let the gentle hear, and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

I sought the Lord, and He heard me; and He delivered me from all my sojourning. Come to Him, and be enlightened, and your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him from all his afflictions.

The Angel of the Lord shall encamp around those who fear Him, and He will deliver them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who hopes in Him. Fear the Lord, you His saints, for there is no want for those who fear Him.

Rich men turned poor and went hungry; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, who loves to see good days?

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking deceit. Shun evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the

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righteous, and His ears are open to their supplications.

The Lord’s face is against those who do evil, so as to destroy their remembrance from the earth. The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them; and He delivered them from all their afflictions. The Lord is near those who are brokenhearted, and He will save the humble in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but He will deliver them from them all. The Lord shall guard all their bones; not one of them shall be broken. The death of sinners is evil, and those who hate the righteous shall go wrong.

The Lord will redeem the souls of His servants, and all who hope in Him shall not go wrong.

Priest: Wisdom!

It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most-Pure and the Mother of our God!

Priest: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious, beyond compare, than the Seraphim, without defilement thou gavest birth to God the Word; true Theotokos, we magnify thee.

Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to Thee!

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

Lord, have mercy. (3 times)

Father, bless.

May He who endured spitting and scourging and blows, the Cross and death, for the salvation of the world, Christ our true God, through the prayers of His most pure mother; of the holy, glorious, and all-laudable Apostles, of the holy righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

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Documents

· Web viewGreat & Holy Friday. Royal Hours. About the second hour of the day (eight o’clock on Friday morning) the priest gives the opening blessing… FIRST HOUR