VESPERS

Wednesday, May 13

Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Priest: Blessed be our God always, now and for ever and ever.

    

Choir: Amen.​​

 

Come, let us adore the King, our God.

Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God.

Come, let us adore and bow down to the only Lord Jesus Christ, the King and our God.

 

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul!* You are very great, O Lord, my God,

 

Clothed in pomp and brilliance;* arrayed with light as with a cloak.

 

Stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth,* covering Your lofty halls with water,

 

You make the clouds Your conveyance;* You surge on the wings of the wind.

 

You make spirits Your messengers,* and flaming fires Your attendants.

 

You settle the earth on its firm foundation;* it shall stand unmoved from age to age.

 

The abyss covers it like a garment;* waters stand over the mountains.

 

At Your rebuke they will take flight;* at the peal of Your thunder they will fear.

 

They hurdle the hills and run down the dales,* to the place You have chosen for them.

 

You have set up a boundary not to be passed;* they shall never return to cover the earth.

 

Down in the gullies You make springs to rise;* water shall go down between the mountains.

 

They shall give drink to the beasts of the field;* wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst.

 

The birds of the sky will abide by them;* from among the rocks they will raise their song.

 

From Your lofty halls You refresh the mountains;* the earth shall be fed with the fruit of Your works.

 

You make green pastures for the cattle,* and food-plants for the service of all,

 

So that bread may be brought forth from the earth,* and wine that gladdens the heart of all;

 

So that oil may put a gleam upon his face;* and that bread may strengthen the heart of all.

 

The trees of the plain will be satisfied,* the cedars of Lebanon that He planted.

 

The sparrows will build their nests in them;* and the herons will call them their home.

 

To the deer belong high mountains,* to rodents, the shelter of the rocks.

 

You have made the moon to mark the seasons;* the sun knows the time of its setting.

 

You establish darkness, and it is night,* wherein all the forest creatures prowl around.

 

Young lions roar for their prey,* and call out to God for their meat.

 

As the sun rises, they will come together,* and lay themselves down in their dens.

 

Man will go out to his labor,* and work until eventide.

 

How great are Your works, O Lord!* In wisdom You have wrought them all.

 

The earth is filled with Your creatures.* Even the wide and open sea itself,

 

Within it there are countless creeping things,* living beings small and large.

 

Upon it there are ships a-sailing,* and that great beast You made to have fun therein.

 

All of them look up to You,* to give them their food in due time.

 

You provide and they gather up;* You open Your hand and they are full.

 

You hide Your face and they cringe;* You suspend their breath, and they die and return to their dust.

 

You send forth Your breath and they live;* You renew the face of the earth.

 

May the Lord's glory endure forever;* may the Lord rejoice in His works;

 

He looks upon the earth and makes it quake;* He touches the mountains and they smoke.

 

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;* I will praise my God as long as I last.

 

Would that my thoughts be pleasing to Him:* and I will rejoice in the Lord.

 

May sinners vanish from the earth, and may the wicked be no more.* Bless the Lord, O my soul!

 

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

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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 well-being 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, 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.

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

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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.

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

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

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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.​​​​

Psalm 140

O Lord, I have cried to You hear me,*; hear me, O Lord!* O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me;* receive the voice of my prayer* when I call upon You.* Hear me, O Lord!

Let my prayer rise like incense before You;* and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.* Hear me, O Lord!

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth* and a portal around my lips.

 

Incline my heart away from evil dealings,* from finding excuses for sinful deeds.

In company with those who work iniquity,* let me not partake of what they choose.

 

May the just chasten me with justice and reprove me;* may the oil of the wicked never touch my head.

Yet even then shall I pray for their welfare.* Their rulers were swallowed near the rock.

My words will be heard,* for they were sweet.

As a lump of clay broken on the ground,* so their bones were strewn near the grave.

To You, Lord, O Lord, my eyes are lifted up.* In You have I hoped; let not my soul be lost.

Keep me from the snare that was set for me,* and from the stumbling-blocks of the wicked.

The wicked shall fall into their own nets, * while I remain alone until I can escape.

Psalm 141

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With my voice I cried to the Lord;* with all my voice I implored the Lord.

Before Him I pour out my supplications;* before Him I declare my distress.

When my breath was escaping me,* then you knew my paths;

On the road upon which I was walking,* they set up snares for me.

I looked to my right and observed* there was no one friendly to me;

Even flight was denied me;* there was no one to take care of my life.

I cried out to You, O Lord, and said:* You are my hope, my share in the land of the living.

Listen to my supplication,* for I am laid very low.

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Deliver me from my oppressors;* for they have overwhelmed me.

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Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.

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The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.​

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Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!

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Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.

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If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

 

Tone 6

I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.

 

The Lord ascended into heaven* to send the Comforter into this world.* The heavens prepared His throne and the clouds were His ladder;* the angels marvelled at the sight of a man more exalted than themselves.* Today, the Father receives again in His bosom* the One who was in Him from all eternity,* and the Holy Spirit gives a command to all the angels:* Lift up your lintels, O you gates!* O you nations of the earth, clap your hands,* for Christ ascends to the place* where He had been from all eternity.

 

From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.

 

O Lord, the Cherubim were amazed at Your Ascension;* they were seized with wonder as they beheld You, O God, rising upon the clouds,* for You are the One who is seated above the clouds.* We sing a hymn of praise to You:* Glory to You for Your tender mercy.

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For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

 

O Christ, splendour and glory of the Father,* when we behold Your Ascension on the holy mountain,* we sing a hymn of praise to the beauty of Your countenance.* We bow down to Your Passion,* we venerate Your holy Resurrection,* and we glorify Your noble Ascension.* O Lord, have mercy on us!

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Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.

 

O Lord and Giver of Life,* when the apostles saw You ascending upon the clouds,* a great sadness overcame them;* they shed burning tears and exclaimed:* O our Master, do not leave us orphans;* we are Your servants whom You loved so tenderly.* Since You are most merciful, send down upon us Your all-holy Spirit* to enlighten our souls, as You promised.

 

Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.

 

After fulfilling the mystery of the plan of salvation, O Lord,* You took Your apostles and went up with them to the Mount of Olives,* and there You passed beyond the firmament of heaven.* You humbled Yourself and were clothed in our humanity,* and now You return to the place which You did not leave.* Send down Your all-holy Spirit to enlighten our souls.

 

Glory… Now…

O loving Jesus, while You lived on earth,* You were God inseparable from the Father,* and yet You truly shared our humanity.* Ascending in glory today from the Mount of Olives,* through Your great love, You lifted up our fallen nature* and enthroned it with the Father on high.* Therefore, the bodiless Powers were amazed and filled with awe* at seeing Your great love for all.* Together with them, we who live on earth* glorify your condescension to us* and Your Ascension away from us.* Now we implore You, saying:* Through Your Ascension You have filled Your apostles and Your Mother* with a joy that surpasses every other joy,* and through their intercession* make us worthy of the joy of Your elect,* for You are rich in mercy.

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Priest (or deacon): Wisdom! Stand aright.

Choir: Tranquil Light,* of the holy glory of the immortal* heavenly, holy blessed Father,* O Jesus Christ:* as we come upon the sunset,* as we see the evening light,* we sing to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. At all times You are worthy* of being hymned by joyful. voices;* O Son of God, You are the giver of life.* For this the whole world glorifies You.

Priest: Let us be attentive! Peace † be with all. Wisdom! Let us be attentive!

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On Wednesday Evening; Ps. 53 (Tone 5)

O Lord, save me by Your name,* and in Your power be a judge for me.

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Verse: O God, hear my prayer; listen to the words of my mouth.

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Priest: Wisdom!

 

Cantor: A reading from the Isaiah

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Priest: Let us be attentive!

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In the last days

the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
   as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
   and all nations will stream to it.

3 Many peoples will come and say,

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
   to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
   so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
   the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

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Litany

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Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

    Choir: Lord, have mercy (3x).

We also pray for our most holy universal Pontiff, N., Pope of Rome; for our most blessed Patriarch, N.; our most reverend Metropolitan, N.; our God-loving Bishop, N., for those who serve and have served in this holy church, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ.

    Choir: Lord, have mercy (3x).

We also pray for our nation under God, for our govern-ment, and for all the military.

    Choir: Lord, have mercy (3x).

We also pray for the people here present who await Your great and bountiful mercies, for those who have been kind to us, and for all orthodox Christians.

    Choir: Lord, have mercy (3x).

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

    Choir: Amen.

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Deign, O Lord

Deign, O Lord, * to keep us this evening without sin.

 

Blessed are You, O Lord God of our Fathers,* and praised and glorified is Your name forever. Amen.

 

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us* because we have set our hope in You.

 

Blessed are You, O Lord,* teach me Your command-ments.

 

Blessed are You, O Master,* make me understand Your commandments.

 

Blessed are You, O Holy One,* enlighten me with Your laws.

 

O Lord, Your mercy endures forever;* do not despise the work of Your hands.

 

It is proper to praise You,* and hymns belong to You.

 

Glory belongs to You,* Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

 

Now and for ever* and ever. Amen.

 

Litany

Priest: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.

    Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

    Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That this whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

    Choir: Grant this, O Lord (after each petition).

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

 

For the forgiveness and remission of our sins and offen-ses, let us ask the Lord.

 

For all that is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

 

That we may spend the rest of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

 

For a Christian end to our lives, one that is painless, unashamed, and peaceful; and for a good defense at the awesome tribunal of Christ, let us ask the Lord.

 

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 You are a merciful, gracious and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

    Choir: Amen.

Priest: Peace † be with all.

    Choir: And with Your spirit.

Priest: Bow your heads to the Lord.

    Choir: To You, O Lord.

Priest (quietly): O Lord our God, You lowered the heavens when You came down for the salvation of the human race.Now look upon Your servants and upon Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads to You, the Judge, both awesome and loving. They do not await human help, but look for Your mercy and are ready to receive Your salva-tion. Guard them at all times, this evening and tonight, against all enemies, against the devil's assaults, against vain thoughts and evil dreams.

 

Priest: May the might of Your kingdom be blessed and exalted, Father Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

    Choir: Amen.

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Lytia

Tone 1

By going up again into heaven from which You had descended,* You did not leave us orphans, O Lord.* Show to all Your people the works of Your power,* that Your Spirit may come down upon us* and bring peace to the world,* O Lord and Lover of Mankind.

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Glory… Now…

O Lord most merciful,* after fulfilling the mystery hidden from all eternity,* You, the Creator and Master of all,* went up to the Mount of Olives with your disciples and your Mother.* For the one who, at the sight of your Passion,* had suffered more than anyone else in her motherly heart,* had more than anyone else the right to share the joy that fills us* as we witness your ascending into heaven.* We glorify your infinite mercy overflowing upon us.

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Prayers of Litiya

Save Your people, O God, and bless Your inheritance. Visit Your world with Your mercy and generosities.* Exalt the Christian peoples and send down upon us Your abundant mercy. Through the prayers of the most pure Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary * by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the exaltation of which we today gloriously celebrate;* through the protection of the honorable, heavenly incorporeal powers;* of the honorable and glorious prophet, forerunner and baptizer, John;* of the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy apos-tles;* and of our fathers among the saints, the great ecumenical teachers and hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasius and Cyril;* of our father among the saints, Nicholas, archbish-op, wonderworker of Myra in Lycia;* of the holy Cyril and Methodius, teachers of the Slavs;* of the holy and equal-to-the-apostles, Great Prince Volodymyr;* of the holy hieromartyr Josaphat;* of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs;* of our venerable and God-bearing fathers Anthony and Theodosius of the Monastery of the Caves and other venerable and godly fathers;* of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna;* of Saint, N. (whose church it is) and of Saint, N. (whose day it is), and of all the saints;* we beseech You, O all-merciful Lord, hear us sinners praying to You, and have mercy.

 

Choir: Lord, have mercy (12x).

 

We also pray for our most holy universal Pontiff, N., Pope of Rome; and for our most blessed Patriarch, N.; for our most reverend Metropolitan, N.; for our God-loving Bishop, N.; for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ,* and for every Christian soul that is afflicted and maltreated and in need of God's mercies and help;* for the protection of this city (or: village) and for those who live here;* for the peace and serenity of the whole world;* for the welfare of God's holy churches;* for the salvation and the assistance of our fathers and brothers who, with diligence and in the fear of the Lord, labor and serve;* for the absent and those who journey:* for the healing of those who are infirm;* for the repose, alleviation, blessed memory, and remission of sins of all our orthodox fathers and brothers, who have departed from us and are buried here and in every place;* for the deliverance of captives, for all brothers, who offer their services* and for all who serve and have served in this holy church, let us say.

 

Choir: Kyrie, eleison (12x)

 

Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, hope of all the ends of the earth and those far away at sea. In Your graciousness be merciful to us sinners, O Master. For You are a merciful and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen.

 

Priest: Peace † be with all.

 

Choir: And with your spirit.

 

Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord.

 

Choir: To You, O Lord.

 

Priest: O most merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, through the prayers of our most pure Lady, the Mother of God, and ever-virgin Mary (whose feast... we solemnly celebrate), and of all the saints, make our prayer acceptable; grant us remission of our transgressions, cover us with the shadow of Your wings; drive far from us every foe and adversary. Make our life peaceful, O Lord; have mercy on us and on Your world, and save our souls for You are gracious and love mankind.

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Choir: Amen.

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Aposticha

Tone 2

O our God, You were born in a manner of your own choosing;* You appeared and suffered in the flesh as You willed;* You crushed Death through Your Resurrection and ascended into glory,* and You sent down the divine Spirit upon us.* Therefore, we sing a hymn of praise and glorify Your divinity.

 

All peoples, clap your hands; cry to God with shouts of joy!

 

O Christ, when the Powers of heaven* beheld Your Ascension from the Mount of Olives,* they wondered and exclaimed: Who is He?* And they heard the reply: He is the mighty Conqueror;* He is the mighty One in battle;* He is indeed the King of glory.* And why are His clothes crimson?* Because He comes from Bosor, which is the flesh.* As for You, O Christ, since You are God,* You are enthroned at the right hand of God the Father;* and You send down upon us the Holy Spirit* that He may enlighten us and save our souls.

 

God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.

 

O Christ, You ascended in glory* on the Mount of Olives in the presence of Your disciples;* You fill all things with Your divinity;* You were enthroned at the right hand of the Father* and sent down upon Your disciples the Holy Spirit* who enlightens, strengthens, and saves our souls.

 

Tone 6, Glory… Now…

God goes up with shouts of joy,* the Lord goes up amid trumpet blast,* in order to raise up the fallen image of Adam* and to send down upon us the Holy Spirit,* the Comforter who will sanctify our souls.

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Canticle of Simeon

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Now, O Master, You have kept Your promise;* let Your servant go in peace.* With my own eyes I have seen the salvation* which you have prepared in the sight of every people;* a light to reveal You to the Gentiles,* and the glory of Your people Israel!

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Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)

 

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

 

Trinity most holy, have mercy on us.* Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord;* pardon our transgressions, O Master;* look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One;* for the sake of Your name.

 

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

 

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

 

Our Father, Who art in heaven,* hallowed be Thy name.* Thy kingdom come.* Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.* Give us this day our daily bread,* and forgive us our trespasses* as we forgive those who trespass against us.* And lead us not into temptation,* but deliver us from evil.

 

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

    Choir: Amen. 

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Troparion

Tone 4

You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God,** the Redeemer of the world. 

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Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.

 

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

 

Priest: O Lord Jesus Christ our God, You blessed the five loaves and fed the five thousand. Bless these loaves †, this wheat †, wine t, and oil t, and multiply them in this city and in the whole world; and sanctify all the faithful who shall partake of them; for it is You, O Christ our God, Who bless and sanctify all things. And we glorify You with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, gracious, and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen. Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and for ever (3x).

 

Psalm 33

 

I will bless the Lord at all times;* His praise shall be constantly in my mouth.

 

My soul shall glory in the Lord;* let the meek hear and rejoice.

 

Magnify the Lord with me,* and let us exalt His name together.

 

I sought the Lord and He heard me,* and delivered me from all my fears.

 

Approach the Lord and be enlightened,* and your face shall never be shamed.

 

The poor cried out, and the Lord heard them* and delivered them from all their afflictions.

 

The angel of the Lord will set up camp around those who fear the Lord* and save them.

 

Taste and see how good the Lord is;* blessed is the one who hopes in Him.

 

Fear the Lord, all you His saints,* for there is no privation for those who fear Him.

 

The rich have become poor and hungry* but those who seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.

 

Priest: The blessing of the Lord be upon you through His grace and loving kindness, always, now and for ever and ever.

 

Choir: Amen.

 

Great Dismissal.

 

Deacon: Wisdom!

 

Choir: Give the blessing.

 

Priest: Blessed be Christ our God, always, now and for ever and ever.

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Choir: Amen. O God, strengthen the holy orthodox faith, for ever and ever.

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Priest: O most holy Mother of God, save us.

 

Choir: More honorable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

 

Priest: Glory be to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory be to You.

    

Choir: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen. Lord, have mercy (3x). Give the blessing.

 

Priest: May Christ our true God, Who in glory did ascend from us into heaven and sit at the right hand of God the Father, through the prayers of His immaculate Mother; the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy apostles; and of all the saints, will have mercy and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

  

 Choir: Amen.

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