MATINS

Thursday, April 2

 

Great Friday​​​​

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Priest: Glory to the holy, consubstantial, life-giving and undivided Trinity, always, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen.

 

Glory to God in the highest, and to His people on earth, His peace and good will. (3x)

 

O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. (2x)

 

Psalm 102 (Friday) 

 

My soul, give thanks to the Lord,* all my being, bless His holy name.

 

My soul, give thanks to the Lord,* and never forget all His blessings.

 

It is He Who forgives all your guilt,* Who heals every one of your ills,

 

Who redeems your life from the grave,* Who crowns you with love and compassion,

 

Who fills your life with good things,* renewing your youth like an eagle's.

 

The Lord does deeds of justice,* gives judgment for all who are oppressed.

 

He made known His ways to Moses* and His deeds to Israel's children.

 

The Lord is compassion and love,* slow to anger and rich in mercy.

 

His wrath will come to an end;* He will not be angry for-ever.

 

He does not treat us according to our sins* nor repay us according to our faults.

 

For as the heavens are high above the earth* so strong is His love for those who fear Him.

 

As far as the east is from the west* so far does He remove our sins.

 

As a father has compassion on his children,* the Lord has pity on those who fear Him;

 

For He knows of what we are made,* He remembers that we are dust.

 

As for mortals, their days are like grass;* they flower like the flower of the field;

 

The wind blows and they are gone* and their place never sees them again.

 

But the love of the Lord is everlasting* upon those who hold Him in fear;

 

His justice reaches out to children's children when they keep His covenant in truth,* when they keep His will in their mind.

 

The Lord has set His sway in heaven* and His kingdom is ruling over all.

 

Give thanks to the Lord, all His angels,* mighty in power, fulfilling His word, who heed the voice of His word.

 

Give thanks to the Lord, all His hosts,* His servants who do His will.

 

Give thanks to the Lord, all His works, in every place where He rules.* My soul, give thanks to the Lord! 

 

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God (3x).

 

Litany of Peace

 

Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

    Choir: Lord, have mercy (and after each petition).

 

Priest: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For peace throughout the whole world, for the wellbeing of God's holy churches and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence, and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For our most holy universal Pontiff, N., Pope of Rome, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For our most blessed Patriarch, N., our most reverend Metropolitan, N., our God-loving Bishop, N., the reverend priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For this city (or For this village, or For this holy monastery), for every city and country and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

 

For seafarers and travelers, for the sick and the suffer-ing, for those held captive, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

 

That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and misfortune, let us pray to the Lord.

 

Help us, save us, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

 

Priest: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

  

 Choir: To You, O Lord.

 

Priest: For all glory, honor, and worship befit You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

    Choir: Amen.

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Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

verse: Out of the night my spirit wakes at dawn to You, O God, for Your commandments are a light upon the earth!

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verse: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on earth!

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verse: Zeal shall lay hold upon an uninstructed people.

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verse: Add more evils upon them, O Lord; add more evils upon them that are glorious on earth.

 

Troparion, Tone 8

When the glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of the feet before the supper, then the impious Judas was darkened, ailing with avarice. and to the lawless judges he betrays You, the righteous judge. Behold, O lover of money, this man who because of money hang himself. Flee from the greedy soul which dared such things against the Master. O Lord, who are good towards all men, glory to You! 

 

Glory… Now… When the glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of the feet before the supper, then the impious Judas was darkened, ailing with avarice. and to the lawless judges he betrays You, the righteous judge. Behold, O lover of money, this man who because of money hang himself. Flee from the greedy soul which dared such things against the Master. O Lord, who are good towards all men, glory to You! 

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Small Ektenia

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy.

 

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

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All: Lord, have mercy.

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Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.

 

All: To You, O Lord.

 

Priest: For Yours is power, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

 

First Gospel

Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

 

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

 

Priest: Peace be with all.

 

All: And with your spirit.

 

Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

 

All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

John 13:31-18:1

Priest: The Lord said to his disciples, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times. Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Where I am going you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here. I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would have no sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’ But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.

 

All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Antiphon 1, Tone 8

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The princes of the people* gathered to conspire against the Lord* and against His Christ.

They spoke unjust words against Me;* O Lord, my God, do not abandon Me.

 

Antiphon 2, Tone 6

 

Judas hastened to the impious scribes and said:* What will you give me if I hand Him over to you?* and You, about Whom they were speaking,* stood invisibly present among them.* O Lord, Who read the depths of our hearts, have mercy on us.

 

Antiphon 3, Tone 2

 

Because the resurrection of Lazarus, O Lord,* the Hebrew children cried to You: Hosanna!* But the lawless Judas did not want to understand.

 

At Your supper, O Christ God,* You foretold the deed when You said to Your disciples:* One of you shall betray Me.* But the lawless Judas did not want to understand.

 

You said to Your disciples, O our God:* Watch and pray, lest you do not enter into temptation.* But the lawless Judas did not want to understand.

 

Glory… Now…: Save your servants from all danger, O holy Mother of God;* for, after God, you are our only refuge,* our unshakeable rampart and our protection.

 

Small Ektenia

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy.

 

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

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All: Lord, have mercy.

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Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.

 

All: To You, O Lord.

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Priest: For to You is due all glory, honour, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

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Sessional Hymn, Tone 7

While feeding Your disciples at supper,* You exposed Judas, for You knew he would betray You,* and you also knew that he would not repent.* You revealed to all that You let Yourself be sold* that You might free the world from the Evil One.* O long-suffering Lord, glory be to You.

 

Second Gospel

Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

 

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

 

Priest: Peace be with all.

 

All: And with your spirit.

 

Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

 

All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

John 18:1-28

Priest: At that time, when Jesus went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfil the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed. Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover.

 

All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Antiphon 4, Tone 5

Today Judas forsakes the Lord and joins forces with the Devil;* blinded by his love of money, he withdraws from the light and buried himself in darkness.* How could he see clearly, the one who sold Light for thirty pieces of silver?* But He Who is the Sun now dawns on us, the One Who suffered for the world.* Therefore, we cry out to Him in thanksgiving:* O Lord, Who suffered because of Your love for mankind, glory to You.

 

Antiphon 5, Tone 6

Pretending to show respect,* the disciple of the Lord sold for thirty pieces of silver* the Master Whom he betrayed with a kiss;* he then handed Him over to the godless ones to be put to death.

 

Antiphon 6, Tone 7

Toda Judas watches to deliver the Lord,* the world’s eternal Saviour Who satisfied the multitudes with five loaves.* Today that lawless one denies his Teacher;* the disciple sells the Master.* He loved silver more than Him Who satisfied us with manna.

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When You voluntarily went to Your passion,* You said to Your disciples, O Lord:* You could not watch one hour with Me;* how can you say that you will de with Me?* Behold, Judas the traitor does not sleep;* he hastens to deliver Me to the impious ones.* Arise and pray that none of you denies Me* when you see Me hanging on the cross.* O long-suffering Lord, glory to You!

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Glory… Now…: Rejoice, O Mother of God, who bore in the womb* the One Whom even the heavens could not contain.* Rejoice, O Virgin whom the prophets proclaimed;* through you, Emmanuel has shone upon us.* Rejoice, O Mother of Christ or God.

 

Small Ektenia

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy.

 

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

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All: Lord, have mercy.

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Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.

 

All: To You, O Lord.

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Priest: For blessed and glorified is Your most honoured and sublime name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

 

Sessional Hymn, Tone 7

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What caused you, Judas, to betray the Saviour?* Did He separate you from the apostles?* Did He deny you the gift of healing?* Did He eat supper with others but not with you?* Did He wash their feet but then ignore yours?* O, how many good deeds you forgot!* Your ingratitude has now been exposed,* while His endless patience and great mercy is proclaimed.

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Third Gospel

Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

 

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

 

Priest: Peace be with all.

 

All: And with your spirit.

 

Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

 

All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

Matthew 26:57-75

Priest: At that time, the soldiers who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

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All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Antiphon 7, Tone 8

O Lord, You said too the transgressors who laid hands on You:* You have struck the Shepherd and scattered the sheep;* instead of My twelve disciples,* I can call upon twelve legions of angels to help Me;* but I bear this patiently* so that the mysteries proclaimed by My prophets may be fulfilled.* O Lord, glory to You.

 

Antiphon 8, Tone 2

Tell us, O impious judges,* what have you learned from our Saviour?* Has He not fulfilled the Law and the teaching of the prophets?* How then have you delivered to Pilate* the Son and Word of God,* the Redeemer of ours souls.

 

Antiphon 9, Tone 3

They fixed a price of thirty pieces of silver* for the precious One upon Whom the children of Israel had a set price.* Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation,* for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak;* therefore, you must keep watch.

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When Peter denied You three times,* he immediately understood what You had said to him:* and weeping bitterly, he repented.* Spare, O Lord, and save me.

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Glory… Now…: All that nations praise you, O most pure Virgin;* for you gave birth to Christ our God,* Who shall free us from the curse.

 

Small Ektenia

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy.

 

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

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All: Lord, have mercy.

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Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.

 

All: To You, O Lord.

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Priest: For You are our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

 

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

O, how Judas, who was once Your disciple,* conspired with others to betray You.* In deceit he supped with You,* for he had an unjust and evil plan;* he went to the priests and said to them:* How much will you give if I deliver Him?* For He profanes the Sabbath and breaks the Law.* O long-suffering Lord, glory to You.

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Fourth Gospel

Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

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Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

 

Priest: Peace be with all.

 

All: And with your spirit.

 

Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

 

All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

John 18:28-19:16

Priest: At that time, they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over 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 have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 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.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

 

All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Antiphon 10, Tone 6

The One Who is clothed with light as with a cloak* stood naked before His judges;* He receives slaps on His cheeks from the hands He had created;* the unjust people nail to the cross the God of glory and their Lord.* The veil of the temple is torn in two;* the sun is covered with darkness* so that it does not see the humiliation of the Creator* before Whom the whole world trembles.* Let us bow in worship before Him.

 

Antiphon 11, Tone 6

In return for the blessings which You have poured out upon them,* the children of Israel condemned You to the cross* and gave You gall and vinegar to drink;* but Your forgive their sins, O Lord,* for they did not understand Your condescension.

 

Antiphon 12, Tone 8

O my people, what have I done to you? says the Lord;* in what way have I grieved you?* I have given light to those who were blind;* I have cleansed the people of leprosy;* and I made the paralyzed man rise from his pallet.* O my people, what have I done to you?* And what do you give Me in return?* For the manna, you give Me gall, and vinegar for water from the rock;* for My love, you nail Me to the cross.* You shall no longer be My chosen people;* I shall call the Gentiles to glorify Me, together with the Father and the Spirit,* and I shall give them life eternal.

 

The company of apostles cries out to the doctors of the Law:* O Scribes and Pharisees, behold the Temple you have destroyed;* behold the Lamb of God Whom you crucified/* You have placed Him in the tomb,* but by His power, He has risen!* It is He Who saved you in the Red Sea;* it is He Who fed you in the desert;* it is He Who gives life, light, and peace to the world.

 

Glory… Now…: Rejoice, O holy gate of the King of glory,* who remains sealed even after the passage of the Lord;* for He alone has passed through for the salvation of our souls.

 

Small Ektenia

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy.

 

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

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All: Lord, have mercy.

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Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.

 

All: To You, O Lord.

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Priest: Blessed and glorified be the power of Your reign, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

 

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

 

O God, when You stood before Caiaphas* and let Yourself, O Judge, be delivered to Pilate,* the heavenly powers trembled in fear.* O sinless Lord, You were crucified between two thieves* and numbered among the lawless ones.* You did all this just to save mankind.* O most kind Lord, glory to You!

 

Fifth Gospel

Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

 

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

 

Priest: Peace be with all.

 

All: And with your spirit.

 

Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

 

All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

Matthew 27:3-32

Priest: At that time, Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.” Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you – Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this righteous man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.

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All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Antiphon 13, Tone 6

The assembled crowd demanded that Pilate crucify You, O Lord,* and even though they found no charge against You,* they freed the criminal Barabbas and condemned the innocent One.* They called down the weight of this crime upon themselves, saying:* May His blood be upon us and upon our children

 

Antiphon 14, Tone 8

O Lord, You chose for Your companion along the way* the thief whose hands were stained with blood;* deign to count us with him,* in Your goodness and love for humanity.

 

Antiphon 15, Tone 6

Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.* Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.* Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross.* 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 Jordan set Adam free receives blows upon His face.* The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails.* The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear.* We venerate Your Passion, O Christ.* We venerate Your Passion, O Christ.* We venerate Your Passion, O Christ.* Show us also Your glorious Resurrection.

 

Your cross is the symbol of life and resurrection for Your people;* having placed our hope in it, we cry out to You:* O our crucified God, have mercy on us.

 

Glory… Now…: Seeing You crucified, O Christ,* the one who gave birth to You cried out:* What is this strange mystery that I see, O my Son!* How can You die upon the cross, *You, the Prince of life, crucified in the flesh?

Small Ektenia

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy.

 

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

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All: Lord, have mercy.

​

Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.

 

All: To You, O Lord.

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Priest: For blessed is Your all-holy name, and glorified is Your kingdom, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

 

Sessional Hymn, Tone 4

You have redeemed us from the curse of the Law with Your precious blood;* nailed to the cross and pierced with the lance,* You have gushed forth immortality to all.* O our Saviour, glory to You.

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Sixth Gospel

Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

 

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

 

Priest: Peace be with all.

 

All: And with your spirit.

 

Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

 

All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

Mark 15:16-32

Priest: At that time, the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.”

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All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Beatitudes

 

Remember us, O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Tone 4: Through a tree Adam lost his home in Paradise,* and through the Tree of the Cross the thief made Paradise his home.* For the one, by eating, transgressed the commandment of his Maker;* but the other, crucified at Your side, confessed You as the hidden God.* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Tone 4: The lawless people bought the Maker of the Law from His disciple,* and they led Him as a transgressor* before the judgement seat of Pilate, crying “Crucify Him,”* though it was He who gave them manna in the wilderness.* But, following the example of the righteous thief, we cry with faith:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Tone 4: The murderers of God, the lawless nation of the Jews,* cried to Pilate in their madness, saying, “Crucify the innocent Christ;”* and they asked rather for Barabbas.* But with the words of the good thief we cry to Him:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God.

Tone 4: Your life-giving side, O Christ, flowing as a fountain from Eden,* waters Your Church as a living Paradise.* Then, dividing into the four branches of the Gospels,* with its streams it refreshes the world,* making glad the creation and teaching the nations* to venerate Your Kingdom with faith.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Tone 4: For my sake You were crucified, to become for me a fountain of forgiveness.* Your side was pierced, that You might pour upon me streams of life.* You were transfixed with nails, that through the depth of Your sufferings* I might know with certainty the height of Your power,* and cry to Your, O Christ the Giver of Life:* O Saviour, glory to Your Cross and Passion.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Tone 4: When You were crucified, O Christ,* all the creation saw and trembled.* The foundations of the earth quaked in fear of Your power.* The lights of heaven hid themselves and the veil of the temple was rent in two,* the mountains trembled and the rocks were split.* With the faithful thief we cry: Remember us, O Saviour.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil word against you falsely because of Me.

Tone 4: O Lord, on the Cross You have torn up the record of our sins;* numbered among the departed, You have bound fast the ruler of hell,* delivering all men from the chains of death by Your Resurrection.* Through this Your Resurrection, O Lord who loves mankind,* we have been granted light, and cry to You:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.

Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven.

Tone 4: You were lifted up, O Lord, upon the Cross* and have destroyed the power of death,* and as God You have blotted out the record of our sins that was against us.* Grant to us also the repentance of the thief, O Christ our God who alone loves mankind,* for we worship You with faith and cry to You:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.

Glory…

Tone 4: Let us the faithful pray with one accord that we may rightly glorify* the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one Godhead in three Persons,* remaining unconfused, simple, undivided;* whom no man can approach,* and by whom we are delivered from the fire of punishment.

Now…

Tone 4: O Christ, we offer You as intercessor Your Mother* who without seed bore You in the flesh,* true Virgin who remained inviolate after childbirth.* O Master rich in mercy, ever grant forgiveness of their sins to those who cry:* Remember us also, Saviour, in Your Kingdom.

 

Small Ektenia

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy.

 

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

​

All: Lord, have mercy.

​

Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life, to Christ our God.

 

All: To You, O Lord.

 

Priest: For Yours is power, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

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Priest: For all the heavenly powers praise You, and we give glory to You, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

 

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

 

Priest: Peace be with all.

 

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

 

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They divided my garments among themselves,* and for My vesture they cast lots.

verse: My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?

 

Seventh Gospel

Deacon: That we may be deemed worth of hearing the holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.

 

All: Lord, have mercy. (3)

 

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

 

Priest: Peace be with all.

 

All: And with your spirit.

 

Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

 

All: Glory to Your passion, O Lord. (great prostration)

 

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

Matthew 27:33-54

Priest: At that time, the soldiers came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

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All: Glory to Your long-suffering, O Lord. (great prostration)​