East Syrian Propers Altar Edit

1
FIRST SUNDAY OF ANNUNCIATION

Anthem of the Chancel
Hear this, all you nations.
The watcher, Gabriel, said to Zechariah, You will have a son, and he
will be called John. He will tread out the pathway before the Son of the
King, who is coming in glory for the salvation of all creatures.
Righteous and upright.
The watcher, Gabriel, said to Zechariah, You will have . . . . . .
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; from
everlasting, and for ever and ever. Amen.
May the Cross, O my Lord, which became for us a cause of good things,
and by which the race of mortals was set free, be for us a mighty
bulwark, and by it may we defeat the Evil One and all his snares.

The Lections
Genesis 17
Isaiah 42:18-43:13
The Shuraya

There is none like you, O Lord my God, nor are there any works like
yours.
All the nations you have made
Shall come and bow down before you, O Lord,
And shall glorify your name, for you are great.

The Apostle
Ephesians 5:21-6:9

The Zumara

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, and lead Joseph like a flock! (2)
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, reveal your might, and come
for our salvation! (2)

2

The Gospel

Luke 1:1-25

Anthem of the Mysteries

Text: He who is in you is our Savior and the Pardoner of sins.
I confidently hoped in the Lord.
The Body of Christ and his precious Blood are on the holy Altar. In awe
and love let us all draw near to him, and with the angels let us cry aloud
to him, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God.
Blessed is the nation that is in such a case.
The Body of Christ and his precious Blood are on . . . . . .

The Hallowing
The Hallowing of the Interpreter [Theodore of Mopsuestia]. [The bread
and wine are] consecrated by [this Anaphora] from Annunciation
[Advent] until Hosannas [Palm Sunday].

Anthem of the Bema
O Son who gave us your Body and Blood, give us life in your Kingdom.
Verses: On this, the first day, which is the first-born of days, come,
let us receive the Body and Blood of the First-born of the Godhead.

3

SECOND SUNDAY OF ANNUNCIATION
He causes the winds to blow and the waters flow.
In the month of Kanon, in which the earth does not yield fruit, the Lord
was pleased to show forth the Fruit in the Virgin which is the Cause of
all good things and the good Hope of all creatures. The same is the true
Light, Christ, the Lord of all, worshipped with his Father and the Holy
Spirit.
O guardian angel who comes for our deliverance and keeps vigil over us,
may our prayer and petition be for the satisfaction of your will. As the
fragrance of the censer of Aaron, the worthy priest in the Tabernacle,
was well-pleasing to you, may our prayer be pleasing to you at all times,
O my Lord, and bring about tranquility and mercies in creation.
The Lections
Numbers 22:9-23:1
Isaiah 43:14-44:5
The Shuraya
We have heard with our ears, O God,
And our fathers have told us,
What you did in their days,
In the days of old:
You with your own hand destroyed the nations, but them you planted;
You afflicted the kingdoms, but them you strengthened;
For not by their own sword did they possess the land,
Nor did their own arm deliver them;
But your right hand, and your arm,
In the light of your countenance; for you delighted in them.

4

The Apostle
Colossians 4:2-end
The Zumara
We have thought on your loving-kindness, O God, in the midst of your
temple. As your name, O God, so are your praises. (2)
To the ends of the earth your right hand is filled with righteousness. Let
Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice!
The Gospel
Luke 1:26-56
The Anthem of the Mysteries
Text: Our hearts being sprinkled, and being cleansed of an evil
conscience.
My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready.
Let us in awe and love prepare ourselves for the fearful gift of the
Mysteries of Christ, and let us adorn ourselves with deeds with which
we may be acceptable to the Judge of all, that he may have pity on us
when he judges the generations of the world.
Lift up your hands to the Sanctuary and bless the Lord.
Let us prepare ourselves for the fearful gift . . . . . .
Anthem of the Bema
Exult, O nations, before our Savior, in whose presence you take delight
in his supper. Exult, O nations, before our Savior, in whose presence you
take delight in his supper.
Verses: Give thanks, O nations, for the loving-kindness which freely
pardons your debts. You have become sharers in the Mystery which is
hallowed by spiritual beings.

5

THIRD SUNDAY OF ANNUNCIATION
Declare his salvation from day to day.
The announcement which Mary received was filled with all salvation,
for she conceived Christ without seed or intimacy, in that the Holy Spirit
descended upon her alone, and the power of the Most High
overshadowed her. She was most blessed among women, for she was
filled with hope. Worshipful is the Creator, who had pity upon our
nature.

May your Church be kept by your Cross, O our Lord Jesus. Remove
from her destructive men and ravenous wolves, and fill her with your
glory and the excellency of your honor, that she may be a haven for
those who are afflicted. Preserve for her extended peace, O eternal
Being, and conceal her children beneath your wings.

The Lections
Genesis 18:1-19
Judges 13:2-24

The Shuraya
When God set apart the king, it was snowy white
On Zalmon, the mountain of God.
O mountains of Bashan, O mountains of Gebenyam:
O mountains of Bashan, what do you want, O mountains of Gebenyam,
The mount on which God chose to dwell?
The Lord will dwell on it for ever.

The Apostle
Ephesians 3

6

The Zumara
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my
servant: 'I will establish your seed for ever, and build your throne for all
generations.'" (4)
Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the
assembly of the saints! For who in the heaven of heavens can be
compared to the Lord? Who among the companies of angels is like the
Lord? (4)
The Gospel
Luke 1:57-end
Text: A thousand thousands and ten thousand ten thousands are round
about him.
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
Angels surround the fearful throne of your glory, O Lord of Hosts, and
before your greatness, O Christ, seraphim stand in awe for your honor.
They do not dare to look upon you, but with ceaseless voices they cry
out together, saying, Holy, holy, you are holy, O Friend of Man. Glory
be to you.
All round about him shall bring offerings to the Fearful One.
Angels surround the fearful throne . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

Prophets and kings longed for your Body and your absolving Blood.
Prophets and kings longed for your Body and your absolving Blood.
Verses: David longed for and requested, though he did not drink the
waters for which he asked. You must give thanks that you have been
deemed worthy to drink from the cup of Christ.

7

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ANNUNCIATION

They are new things which have now been done.
Mary was alarmed by the new things which the watcher had spoken, in
that, though a man had not known her, she conceived through the power
of the Spirit him who had created Adam from the dust and had fashioned
Eve from him without seed, who had made the barren Sarah fruitful, and
Rebecca after her, the same [who] assured the Virgin through Elizabeth.

By your Cross, O our Lord Jesus, our race was renewed. By your Cross
we gained life and by the same death was destroyed. By your Cross
protect your worshippers from the devices of the Evil One, the
Adversary, and may your Cross be a bulwark for our entire company,
that we may praise and worship the power of the Cross.

Genesis 24:50-end
1 Samuel 1:1-18
The Shuraya

You have established uprightness and judgment,
And have brought about righteousness in Jacob.
Extol the Lord our God;
Worship at his footstool!
Holy is Moses and Aaron among his priests,
And Samuel among those who called on his name.

The Apostle
Ephesians 5:5-20
The Zumara

8

Your people will be glorious on the day of power. From the womb, with
the excellencies of holiness, of old I have begotten you a child. (3)
The Lord has sworn and will not be false, "You are a priest for ever in
the likeness of Melchizedek." The Lord is at your right hand. (4)

The Gospel
Matthew 1:18-end

Text: She thought, what is this greeting?
I will speak peace unto you.
Mary was troubled by the greeting which the watcher spoke, in that,
though a man had not known her, she conceived through the power of
the Spirit peace on earth, glory in the heavens, and a good hope to all
creatures. Blessed is the Only-begotten of the Father who shone forth in
our humanity and gave consolation to the race of mortals.
Let there be peace through your strength.
Mary was troubled by the greeting which the watcher . . . . . .
Mary was troubled by the greeting which the watcher . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
In holy Church let us give thanks to Christ, who gave us his own Body.
In holy Church let us give thanks to Christ, who gave us his own Body.
Verses: The people slew the living Lamb, and the nations came and
were glad. They plundered and killed and prepared in our presence
judgment for themselves and delight for us.
Within his Sanctuary give praise to Christ, who gave us his own Body.

9

THE HOLY FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD IN
THE FLESH


Text: He who was hidden from of old in God, who created all.
From of old I have begotten you a child.
This birth was hidden from the hosts who serve you on high, O Lord,
and while you did not depart from the place among the cherubim, you
filled the earth, O Savior of all, with your revelation in the flesh.
Therefore, with the angels we cry aloud, Glory to God on high. And
again, with the shepherds [to whom] they announced and said, Peace on
earth, we beseech you, O Good Hope of our souls, have pity and be
merciful to us.
His name was before the sun.
This birth was hidden from the hosts . . . . . .
Through your holy Cross, O our Savior, angels and men were made one
flock and one holy Church. Behold, heavenly and earth creatures rejoice,
and lo, all creatures cry, O Lord of all, glory be to you.

The Lections

Isaiah 7:10-15; 9:1-3,6-7

Micah 4:1-3; 5:2-4,7-9

The Shuraya

A mighty man was born in her, and he establishes her.

10

Let us honor the birth of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah,
hallelujah, yea hallelujah!
Response: This man was born there.
Let the rulers who dwell in you rejoice.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
From everlasting and forever and ever. Amen.

The Apostle

Galatians 3:15-4:6
The Zumara

The Lord said to me, You are my son,
Today I have begotten you. (2)
Ask of me, and I will give you
The nations for your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for your possession. (3)

The Gospel

Luke 2:1-20


Text: And the glory of the Lord shone upon them.
Sing to the Lord a new song: the world and all its inhabitants.

11

All the inhabited world was utterly filled with praise and great joy at the
birth of Christ the King. The hosts and companies of angels cry out
together with us and say, Glory to God on high, and peace and
tranquility on earth, for the Only-begotten was revealed to us in the
flesh, his power was proclaimed among the nations, and he was taken up
in glory to his Father.
[There is] joy in all the earth.
All the inhabited world was utterly filled . . . . . .

After "One holy Father" they draw aside the curtains of the Altar, and
the choirs in the Chancel array themselves in ranks. Then they begin
quietly to say:

You are terrible, O God Most High, from your Holy Place forever and
ever. Blessed is the honor of the Lord from his place. Then they repeat it
in a loud voice, and the people in the Nave respond with the same.

Verses, which are said in the Chancel:

The Lord said to me, you are my Son; I have begotten you today.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
You are terrible, O God Most High, from your Holy Place . . . . . .

Continuation:

The live coal which the prophet saw the angel held with tongs, and now
priests within the Sanctuary bear it upon their hands.
Come together, O peoples. Let us approach him in holiness of our bodies
and souls, for this is the Mystery which was hidden, which is given for
us for the forgiveness of sins. Hallelujah, hallelujah!
And when it is ended, the deacon who says the Litany cries out:
Give praise to the living God.
And those in the Nave make the [appropriate] response.

12

Anthem of the Bema

Lo, the Body and absolving Blood are offered upon the living and life-
giving Altar within the Sanctuary of holy Church, and are also ready to
be offered upon the holy, glorious, and spiritual Altar, the true one
which is in Heaven.
Come together, O peoples. Let us approach him in holiness of our bodies
and souls, for this is the Mystery which was hidden, which is given for
us for the forgiveness of sins. Hallelujah, hallelujah!

Verses:

Lo, the Virgin conceived and bore a Son, and his name was called
Emmanuel.
Come together, O peoples. Let us approach him . . . . . .
For a Savior is born to you today in the city of David, who is Christ the
Lord.

And they add:

You give us to eat of your Body and Blood, O my Lord. How much
more ought our mouths to praise your name.
And they repeat the same.

Verses:

Behold, our eyes have seen and our hands have taken the Blessedness
which watchers on high have given us.
This which is for us your Body is the memorial of your suffering and the
recollection of your death.
At your birth, O our Lord, the world was made bright and cried glory to
the Father who sent you.
There was peace on high and tranquility in the depths, for watchers and
men were reconciled by you.

13

Teshbokhta After Reception of the Mysteries

Strengthen, O our Lord, the hands which reach out and take the
Sacrament for the pardon of debts.

Make them worthy to always bear fruit for your Godhead.

Make worthy the mouths which offer praise that they may sing glory.

May the ears which hear the sound of your praises, O my Lord, never
hear the noise of trouble.

May the eyes which have beheld your great compassion behold again
your blessed hope.

Make the tongues that cry out "Holy" speak the truth.

Cause the feet that walk within the churches to walk in the land of light.

Gladden with new life the bodies which consume your Body.

Increase all assistance to our company which worships your Godhead.

May your great love remain with us, and in it may we increasingly
render praise.

Open the door to the petitioning of us all, and let our service enter in
before you.

And they continue:

14

Remove from us all harm, and make tranquility and mercy to dwell in
our land,

That on the day of your appearance we may live before you and go out
to meet you, according to your will.

We will confess your name with hosannas for your goodness to our race,
For your mercies have been multiplied to our humanity, and your love
has shone forth upon our mortality.

You have canceled our debts through your atonement; glory be to your
name for your gift.

Blessed is your honor from within your place, you who forgive debts
because of your mercies.

And a deacon says:

Let us all, therefore, who . . . . . . And they conclude as usual.

[Sixth Sunday of Annunciation: The Most Holy Name of
Yshua]

15

THE HOLY FEAST OF
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Text: A thousand thousand and ten thousand times ten thousand
surround it.
I will extol you, O my Lord, the King.
Cherubim surround the awful throne of your greatness, O Lord, and
fearfully, with quaking, they cover their faces with their wings, for they
are not able to lift up their eyes and look upon the fire which is your
Godhead; and you, who are thus glorious, dwelt among men, not to set
them ablaze but to enlighten them. Great is your mercy and grace, O my
Lord, for you visited our race. Glory be to you!
Your throne, O God, is for ever.
Cherubim surround the awful throne of your greatness . . . . . .

Your servants wait for life and eternal blessings, O our Savior, and take
refuge in the faith, seeking shelter under the wings of the Cross. Keep in
your compassion the company of your worshippers, and fulfill for them
your declared promises, for you said to your friends in your Gospel,
Everyone who believes in me shall inherit the Kingdom and eternal life.
Make us worthy, O my Lord, to sing to you with your saints in the
wedding feast of your Kingdom. Glory be to you!

The Lections
Numbers 24:2-9; 15-end
Isaiah 4:2-5; 11:1-5; 12:4-end
The Shuraya

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you,

16

Let us honor the Baptism of Christ with spiritual songs.
With the oil of gladness above your fellows; _
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
From everlasting, and for ever and ever. Amen.
The Apostle
Titus 2:11-3:7
The Zumara
My heart overflows with goodly themes; I will speak of my works to the
king; my tongue is the pen of a skilful scribe. (3)
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness
above your fellows; myrrh and stacte and cassia make all your clothing
fragrant. (3)
The Gospel
Matthew 3
Text: Also, creation shall be freed from the bondage of corruption.
Sing to the Lord a new song.
Creation was gladdened by its Lord and acknowledged its Savior, who,
while being baptized, revealed to it in the Jordan the teaching of the
Trinity: the Father, who called out and proclaimed, This is my beloved
Son in whom I have been well-pleased; and the Spirit who came and
remained upon him, making known his glory in the presence of the
nations.
The world and all its inhabitants.
Creation was gladdened by its Lord and acknowledged . . . . . .


17

Come, believers, on this holy Feast behold and wonder at the fearful and
perfect Mystery, for the sinless Son was baptized in the Jordan. The
Baptist, while inquiring of him, besought and said, I have need to be
baptized by you, my Lord, for the mire cannot approach the fountain,
nor can the lamp illuminate the sun; but because it pleases you to bow
your head before me, I will make bold to lay my right hand upon you at
your command for the salvation of the race of men.

They offer the Hallowing of Mar Nestorius.
Then, in the place of You Are Terrible, they say Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.
Verses: A star shone forth from Jacob, and a ruler arose from Israel,
hallelujah, hallelujah! A thousand thousands stand before him, and ten
thousand times ten thousand hallow his name, hallelujah, hallelujah!
Continuation: There was a voice from Heaven saying, This is my
beloved Son in whom I have been well-pleased.
Let us all continue with him and serve his Lordship with all our heart,
saying, You are holy, you are holy, you are holy, O Friend of men,
hallelujah!
And the deacon says: Give praise to the living God!

Anthem of the Bema
Come, let us all together confess and worship the Savior of the race of
men and all the world from the Evil One, for he has given us in his
loving-kindness the heavenly gift of his Body and Blood for the pardon
of debts.
Let us all continue with him and serve . . . . . .
Verses: A rod has come forth from the stump of Jesse, and a shoot has
sprung up from his root.
Let us all continue with him and serve . . . . . .

Of your Body and Blood:

18

Verses: We have been sanctified by water and the Spirit; through your
Body and Blood we gain life. O Good One who fashioned us from the
dust, through water and the Spirit you renewed our image; through water
and the Spirit you fashioned us anew. Glorious is your renewal, and
lovely is your coming.

19

SECOND SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

Great is our Lord, and greatly to be praised.
The Apostle cried out to us, great is the Mystery which appeared from
on high, for it is the divine Mystery, who chose our body and dwelt in it,
making it to be one with himself in the sharing of his honor that he
might make us worthy of eternal life.

Great and fearful above all round about him.
The Apostle cried out to us, great is the Mystery . . . . . .

O Christ, who reconciled through your own blood the height with the
depth, reconcile, O my Lord, priests and kings, and in your compassion
raise up your Church. Make one standard of faith to reign in all the
inhabited world through your grace, O merciful Lord.

The Lections
Numbers 10:29-11:10

Isaiah 45:11-17

The Shuraya

To you, O Lord, I have lifted up my soul.
O my God, in you I have trusted, let me not be put to shame;
Let not my enemies boast over me.
Yea, let none that wait for you be put to shame.

The Apostle

20

Hebrews 3:1-13

The Zumara

Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of men, ascribe to the Lord glory and honor.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name; worship the Lord in the
court of his Sanctuary. (4)
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the glorious God thunders. The
Lord is upon many waters, the voice of the Lord in strength, the voice of
the Lord in glory. (4)

The Gospel
John 1:1-28


Text: That it may be in him a spring of water which wells up unto
eternal life.

For the fountain of life is with you.
A fount of good things and a peaceful haven you prepared for us in your
Baptism, O Christ, and you turned us from the vain wandering of the
error of graven idols to yourself. You delivered to us the complete
understanding of the glorious qnome of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
the divine nature, and therefore we will all glorify you, who alone are
good, with psalms and songs.

From your sweet stream you shall give them to drink.
A fount of good things and a peaceful haven . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

21

With the cherubim and seraphim we lift up continual praise to your
honor, O my Lord, saying, you are holy, you are holy, you are holy,
Lord God. Let us all receive the Body of Christ and his precious Blood
for the pardon of debts,
And let us lift up praise and say, Hallelujah!
Verses: John, who ministered in the outer Sanctuary, was deemed
worthy to enter the Holy of Holies, which was not permitted,
And to lift up praise and say, Hallelujah!

22

THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

Anathem of the Chancel

He who is before the ages.
Heavenly and earthly beings learned, through the epiphany of Christ, the
Mystery which was hidden from ages and generations by the will of the
Creator, and men and angels began to recite the holiness of the honor of
the one triune Godhead.

The Lord has shown forth his salvation.
Heavenly and earthly beings learned, through the epiphany . . . . . .

O Christ, who reconciled with your own blood the height with the depth,
reconcile, O my Lord, priests and kings, and raise up your Church in
your compassion. O merciful Lord, make one standard of faith to rule in
all the inhabitable world.

The Lections
Numbers 11:11-20

Isaiah 45:18-46:4
The Shuraya

For I have lifted up my hand to heaven
And said, as I live for ever,
I will polish my sword like lightning,
And my hand will lay hold on judgment;
I will return recompense to those who hate me,
And will deliver up my enemies.
I will make my arrows drunk with blood,
And my sword shall devour flesh

23

From the blood of the slain and the captives,
From the crowned head of the enemy.
Therefore praise his people, O nations.

The Apostle
Hebrews 3:14-4:10

The Zumara

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament shows forth
his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night manifests
understanding.

The Gospel
John 1:29-42


Text: Each of them had six wings.

Great is our Lord, and greatly glorious.

Great is the mystery which Isaiah saw. Over the holy Altar he saw
seraphim without number crying, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, for
the world is filled with his glory, and the heavens are clothed with his
brightness.
There is no end to his greatness.
Great is the mystery which Isaiah saw. Over the holy Altar . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

24

With thousands of cherubim and ten thousands of seraphim, come, let us
make melody together, singing, you are holy, you are holy, you are holy,
O holy nature.
Our mouth is not sufficient to praise you for the exalted gift which you
have given us. Grant us, O my Lord, that with the watchers we may cry
aloud to you and say, Hallelujah!
Verses:

Praise the Lord in his Sanctuary.
Our mouth is not sufficient to praise you . . . . . .
Our mouth is not sufficient to praise you . . . . . .

25

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY
I will bless the Lord always.
Blessed is God who sent his Beloved and delivered our nature.
His praises will be always in my mouth.
Blessed is God who sent his Beloved and delivered our nature.

The Lections
Numbers 11:23-end

Isaiah 46:5-end

The Shuraya

Who is mighty as you are,
And your faithfulness round about you?
You rule over the splendor of the sea;
You still the tossing of its waves.
You bring down the boastful as though slain;
You have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours;
The world and in its fullness you have founded.

The Apostle

Hebrews 7:18-end

The Zumara

26

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, and his mercies endure for
ever. O give thanks to the God of gods, for his mercies endure for ever.
(2)
To him who in his wisdom made the heavens, for his mercies endure for
ever; to him who spread out the earth upon the waters, for his mercies
endure for ever. (2)

The Gospel
John 1:43-2:11


Text: For you are great, and great is your name among the mighty.

Holy and fearful is his name.
Your Baptism in water sanctifies our souls and proclaims our
resurrection. The spiritual one with John stood in great wonder. The
Sanctifier of the nations by his Baptism received Baptism from his
servant that he might set free the race of mortals.

You brought us through fire and water.
Your Baptism in water sanctifies our souls . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
This is the absolving sacrifice which our Savior gave to us by which we
may cleanse the spots of our bodies and the debts of our souls, and
purify our consciences of doubts.
Let us all receive it in friendship, unity, and love, saying, Hallelujah!
Verses: Behold, receive freely the absolving gift and be pardoned by it.
Let us all receive it in friendship, unity, and love, saying, Hallelujah!

27

[Epiphany 5]
[Epiphany 6]

28

SUNDAY ENTERING THE GREAT FAST
(Celebrated in the mode of Feasts)
All you servants of God.
Come all you nations, saved by the Cross; receive the Body and Blood of Christ
who suffered for us. Let us adorn our bodies and souls with modesty, virtue, and
holiness, lest there be a blemish in our service and we should be found guilty
before the judgment-seat of Christ.

Come, children: listen to me.
Come all you nations, saved by the Cross; receive . . . . . .

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; From everlasting,
and for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us prepare our minds and cleanse our thoughts of wrath and wickedness, and
let us despise and cast out hateful things. Let us draw near to perfection and
examine the impulses of the mind through the Body and Blood of Christ, the
Pardoner of debts.

The Lections

Exodus 34:1-7, 27-end

Isaiah 58:1-12, 14

The Shuraya

The God of gods, the Lord, speaks
And summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, the glorious crown, God shows himself.
God shall come and will not keep silence,
Before him a fire shall devour,
Round about him it will set a great blaze.
He shall call to the heavens above and to the earth,

29

That he may judge his people.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; >From everlasting,

The Apostle

Ephesians 4:17-5:4, 15-21

The Zumara

Come, O sons, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of God. What man is there
who desires life, and desires to see good days? (4)
Keep your tongue from evil, and let not your lips speak deceit. Depart from evil,
and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. (4)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; From everlasting,

The Gospel
Matthew 3:16-4:11


Text: Perhaps the Tempter will test you, and our labor will be in vain. Do not
cast your pearls before swine. See then how that you ought to walk worthily.

Beware, and do not sin.
O disciples of Christ and children of his Mysteries, beware of mixing with pagans
and with apostates, lest your faith become impoverished, as well as the Baptism
which you received, by the customs you acquire from them, corrupting of body and
soul.
For all of you are children of the Most High.
O disciples of Christ and children of his Mysteries . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

30

The Table of the spiritual Sanctuary is arranged before us, O Christ our Savior.
Receive the Body and Blood of the Son, O peoples, for blessed is he who receives
him. In awe and love let us draw near to him.
And let us worship the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, saying, Hallelujah!
Verses:
Come, let us adorn ourselves spiritually with pure fasting, which cleanses spots.
And let us worship the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, saying, Hallelujah!

31

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
I have trusted in you, O Lord.
The trust which we have in your mercies, O our Lord, stirs us to ask
forgiveness from you. It is not that we are worthy, O Lord, but that in
the abundant mercies of your grace you justify freely those who call
upon you.

All who hope in the Lord.
The trust which we have in your mercies, O our Lord . . . . . .

Come, let us all kneel in prayer before the Cross, which is a treasury of
helps, that we may find mercies and the forgiveness of debts when all
the ends of the earth shall shine with its rays, and, though they do not
wish to do so, its enemies bow to its sovereignty.

The Lections
Genesis 5:18-31
Joshua 4:15-end

The Shuraya

What man is there who desires life,
And longs to see good days?
Keep your tongue from evil,
And let not your lips speak deceit.
Depart from evil, and do good;
Seek peace, and pursue it.
The Apostle

32

Romans 5
The Zumara
O Lord, how my oppressors have increased!
Many are rising against me;
Many are saying to my soul,
There is no deliverance for you in your God. (4)
But you, O Lord, are my helper, my honor,
And the lifter of my head. I have cried with my voice to the Lord,
And he answered me from his holy hill. (4)

The Gospel
Matthew 7:15-27
The Mystery of the Cross is told, and all creatures exult, for Christ the
King is proclaimed, and all the world is sanctified.

His glory is in the earth and in the heavens.
The Mystery of the Cross is told, and all creatures exult, for Christ the
King is proclaimed, and all the world is sanctified.

Anthem of the Bema
Verses: On this first day, which is the first-born of days, come, let us
receive the Body and Blood of the First-born of the Godhead.
On this first day the heavens above were created. Come, let us receive
the Body of the Son who was sent from on high. On this day the earth
was created, from which come all things. Come, let us receive the Body
of the Son who is Lord of all things.

33

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
He is coming to judge the earth.
A just Judge is coming at the end, and he will examine our hidden words
and deeds. Let us fear his judgment, for he is no respecter of persons, a
wise Physician who heals our bruises.
He will surely come in joy.
A just Judge is coming at the end, and . . . . . .
May the Cross, which became for us a source of good things, and by
which our mortal race was set free, be for us, O my Lord, a mighty
bulwark, and by it may we defeat the Evil One and all is wiles.

The Lections
Genesis 7
Joshua 5:13-6:5

The Shuraya

Let Cush surrender to God.
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
Sing praises to the Lord, who rides in the heaven of heavens.
From the East he sends forth his voice, a mighty voice.
Give praise to God.

The Apostle
Romans 7:14-24

The Zumara
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger,

34

Nor chasten me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am diseased;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones shake. (4)
My soul also has been sorely troubled.
But you, O Lordhow long?
Turn, O Lord, deliver my soul;
Save me for the sake of your steadfast love. _(4)

The Gospel
Matthew 20:17-28

Text: He is one, and there is no other than he.
One is the Power of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit, which is
glorified in Heaven and on earth.
In Heaven and on earth.
One is the Power of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit, which is
glorified in Heaven and on earth.

Anthem of the Bema
Exult, O nations, before our Savior, for in his presence you have
delighted in his bread.
Exult, O nations, before our Savior, for in his presence you have
delighted in his bread.
Verses: Give thanks, O nations, for the loving-kindness which has
pardoned your debts and made you sharers in the Mystery which is
hallowed by spiritual beings. We are likened to the younger son in
whose finding his parent rejoiced. Draw near, O penitents; be made glad
by the divine Sacrifice. You were exiles in captivity, and you served in
bondage to the Evil One. Christ freed you through his sufferings.
Receive his Body, and reign with him.

35

FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
He fashioned the earth upon its foundations.
By his gesture the Self-existent One, who is before all, made the whole
creation, and adapted it so as to teach about him through itself. Some of
it he made visible, another part invisible, and bound up all of it in man,
that it might confess that one is its Creator, who in his love would make
known concerning himself.

He who is before the ages.
By his gesture the Self-existent One, who is before . . . . . .

God, the good Lord, Creator of the world, in his loving-kindness created
and fashioned four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. By their mixture
he gave life to all flesh, and by them he indicated his greatness and the
power of his wisdom, for with contrasting things he established his
creation.

On the first day of the week, the great day, light was created; on the
second the firmament; on the third trees of every kind. On the fourth day
of the week he created the sun and the moon; on the fifth birds and
flying creatures. On the Day of Preparation he fashioned Adam and gave
him the title, "His Own Image." On the Sabbath the Lord rested from his
labor.

The Lections
Genesis 11
Joshua 6:27-7:15

36

The Shuraya

They have all alike turned aside and have become defiled;
There is none that does good, not even one.
The evildoers have not understood,
Who ate up my people as though a provision of bread,
And did not call upon God.
There they were in great terror.

The Apostle
Romans 8:12-27

The Zumara

O Lord my God, in you I have hoped; save me,
And deliver me from all my persecutors,
Lest like a lion they rend my soul,
And there is none to save and to rescue. (4)
O Lord my God, if I have done this,
If there is wrong in my hands,
If I have requited one who does me evil
Or oppressed my enemy without cause,
Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it,
And let him trample my life to the ground. (4)

The Gospel
Matthew 21:23-end

You gave to those who fear you a sign.
The gift of new life has been given to mortals within the spiritual
Sanctuary, one which slays the cause of death, sin. Let us draw near and

37

receive the life-giving Mysteries, by which Satan, the enemy of our race,
is condemned.
To those who are upright in their heart.
The gift of new life has been given to mortals . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
Prophets and kings longed for your life-giving Body and Blood.
Verses: David longed for and sought, but he did not receive the water
which he requested. Give thanks that you have been made worthy to
drink the Cup of Christ. Salt was taken from a new pitcher and it
restored the springs: the body which came out from Mary healed the
bruises of the nations. The light wood sank, and the burden, which was
immersed, floated up. Come, receive the Holy Thing which causes one
who eats of it to fly in the air at last.

38

39

EVE, WEDNESDAY, MIDDLE WEEK
OF THE MYSTERIES
Which is the Mid-Point of the Fast

(None Appointed)

The Lections
Genesis 12:10-13:7

Joshua bar Nun 8:1-17

The Shuraya
The LORD is my help; I shall not fear.
What can man do to me?
The LORD is my help; I shall look on those who hate me.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in a prince.
All nations surrounded me;
In the name of the LORD I caused them to perish!
They surrounded me, circling me round about;
In the name of the LORD I destroyed them!
They surrounded me like wasps, they vanished like a straw-fire;
In the name of the LORD I caused them to disappear!
I was pushed hard, so that I might be cast down and fall, but the LORD
was my help.
The Apostle
Romans 9:14-29

The Zumara
Blessed are you whose helper is God, in whose heart are Gods ways.
You shall passe through the valley of weeping and makes it a dwelling-
place.
And the law-giver will clothe you with a blessing. (4)

40

The Gospel
John 5:19-end


Let us come before his face with thanksgiving.
Let us all offer the splendid fruit of repentance to Christ, who is God
over all, and through prayers, fasting, and alms, and with mercy toward
the poor, let us seek mercies from the just Judge, that in the multitude of
his mercies he might make us worthy to lift up glory to his Lordship,
who forgives us our debts and our sins.
Pour out your heart before him.
Let us all offer the splendid fruit of repentance . . . . . .
Let us all offer the splendid fruit of repentance . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
Blessed is he who committed to holy Church the mystery of his death
and resurrection.
Verses: We have been sanctified by water and the Spirit; we acquire
life through your Body and Blood.

41

FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST

Our God is a mighty place of refuge.
It is the time of salvation, when we may hope in God and be delivered
from the sins and mistakes we have committed in this world, and may
receive the forgiveness of sins.

And our helper in times of affliction.
It is the time of salvation, when we may hope in God . . . . . .

Be watchful always, girding up your loins, and at every hour light your
flaming lamps, that you may be deemed worthy of the blessing which he
promised to the good servants whom he finds watching when he comes.

The Lections
Genesis 16:1-17:all
Joshua 9:15-end

The Shuraya

All the kings of the earth shall confess you, O Lord,
For they have heard the word of your mouth;
And they shall praise the ways of the Lord,
For great is the honor of the Lord.
High is the Lord, who sees in the depths;
And he who is haughty he knows from afar.

The Apsotle
Romans 12
The Zumara

42

I have washed my hands in innocence,
And gone about your altar, O Lord,
That I may hear the sound of your praise,
And tell of all your wonders. (4)
O Lord, I have loved the service of your house,
And the dwelling-place of your glory.
Sweep me not away with sinners,
Nor my life with bloodthirsty men. (4) _

The Gospel
John 7:37-end; 8:12-20
We will confess you for ever.
Our human race will give thanks to you, for in your compassion you
have made it worthy of your gift, and with the spiritual companies we
will hallow your honor and receive your Body, which quickens our
mortality.
For your loving-kindness and for your truth.
Our human race will give thanks to you, for in your . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

In holy Church let us confess Christ, who gave us his Body.
Verses: The nation slew the living Lamb, but the nations came and
were made glad. They rose up and killed, and prepared beforehand
judgment for themselves and delight for us. Glorify the Lord in his
Sanctuary, Christ, who gave us his Body. The manna did not become
corrupt in the pot for the keeper of the commandment. Come, let us
receive the Holy Thing by which the foul odor of Adams name became
sweet. Glorify him in the firmament of his power,
Christ, who gave us his Body.

43

SIXTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST

At night, and in the morning, and at noonday.
Make us worthy in your compassion, O our Lord, to serve in the
vineyard of your Gospel, and to receive the talents of instruction from
the treasury of your lips, and to pour oil in our lamps that we may not
resemble the foolish virgins. O Bridegroom on high, make us worthy of
your wedding feast.

All the days of our life.
Make us worthy in your compassion, O our Lord . . . . . .

everlasting, and forever and ever. Amen.
Receive our prayer, O our Savior, and answer our requests in your
mercies. May your Cross be a bulwark for our company against the Evil
One and his host. May we be your good servants and lift up glory to
your Lordship, O Worthy of Praise from every mouth.

The Lections
Genesis 19:1-26
Joshua 21:43-22:9

The Suraya
Because he remembered the holy promise of Abraham his servant
He led forth his people with joy,
His young men with singing.
He gave them the lands of the nations;
And they took possession of the labor of the peoples,
To the end that they should guard his statutes, and observe his laws.

The Apostle

44

Romans 14:10-end
The Zumara

O Lord God of my salvation,
I cry out by day and by night before you.
Let my prayer come before you,
Incline your ear to my petition! (4)
For my soul is full of evil,
And my life has come to Sheol.
I have been reckoned among those who go down to the Pit;
I am like a man who has no help, (4)

The Gospel
John 9:39-10:21


Bless the Lord, you his angels.
You are unceasingly extolled by holy cherubim and spiritual seraphim,
O King of all ages, who in your mercifulness and in the multitude of
your loving-kindness saved the whole race of men.

His servants who do his will.
You are unceasingly extolled by holy cherubim . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

Let us confess the Son of the King who humbled himself toward us and
made our mortal race worthy of the exalted gift of the fearful Mysteries.
Companies of angels stand in great fear and trembling and hallow his
name. And in great wonder they all cry with us with a holy voice,
saying, Holy is the Lord, holy is God, and glorious is the Holy One who
is eternal.

45

Verses: Generation upon generation shall tell of your works and show
forth your might. And in great wonder they all cry with us with a holy
voice, saying, Holy is the Lord, holy is God, and glorious is the Holy
One who is eternal.

46

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
which is
THE GLORIOUS FEAST OF HOSANNAS

Blessed are those who are spotless in the way.
Blessed are the infants who were deemed worthy to see Christ as he
entered Jerusalem riding upon an ass; and the children with olive
branches sang before him, saying, Hosanna on high; hosanna to the Son
of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Who are upright in their heart.
Blessed are the infants who were deemed worthy . . . . . .
The children bore branches, and the young maidens harps, and they sang
before the Son of David; and the spiritual beings heard the sound of the
infants bawling, and they all cried out, saying, Hosanna on high;
hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the
Lord.

The Lections
Genesis 49:1-12, 22-26
Zechariah 3:7-4:6, 11-end; 7:9-10; 8:4-5, 12-19; 9:9-12

The Shuraya
Then all the trees of the wood shall sing. Let us honor the entrance of
Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea hallelujah!
Before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. Let us honor the
entrance of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea
hallelujah!

47

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Let us
honor the entrance of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah,
yea hallelujah!
From everlasting, and forever and ever. Amen. Let us honor the
entrance of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea
hallelujah!

The Apostle
Romans 11:13-24

The Zumara
O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your name in all the earth!
For you have bestowed glory upon heavens.
From the mouth of babes and children
You have prepared your praise. (4)
What is man that you have remembered him,
And the son of man that you have visited him?
You have made him a little less than the angels;
You have clothed him with glory and honor. (4)

The Gospel
Matthew 20:29-21:22


O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your name in all the earth.
When the young children of the Hebrews spoke supernaturally and
reproved the unfaithfulness of their fathers, celebrating him who sat
upon an ass as though upon a throne, they extolled him in wonder. And
with them lo, we too cry out: Hosanna on high; blessed is he who comes
and is coming in great glory in the name of the Lord to save the souls of
us all.

Their tongue is as a sharp sword, to tell in Zion the name of the Lord.

48

When the young children of the Hebrews spoke . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

The nations longed to receive in faith the gift of the Mysteries which are
set before us: the Body which is broken for our salvation, and the Blood
of the Covenant which is shed for us. This is the life-giving coal which
touched the prophet, who was absolved of his debts and sins by it.
Come, let us all with prudence and holiness draw near to it, and with the
angels, the spiritual beings and holy seraphim,
In one voice together let us glorify him and say, Hallelujah!
Verses:
He will bind his ass to the vine, and his colt to the branch.
His eyes are more red than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk.
Children glorified him with their hosannas, and they called out praise to
the Father who sent him.
Blessed is the Anointed One from the house of David. He came in his
glory and delivered our race.
On this day the children bore olive branches and came out to meet him.

The Teshbokhta, composed by Yazdin the Great
your blessed hope.
Make the tongues that cry out Holy speak the truth.

49

render praise.
before you.

50

EVE, PASSOVER THURSDAY

(None Appointed)

The Lections
Genesis 38:7-40:all
Joshua bar Nun 23
The Shuraya
All your waves and your billows have gone over me.
By day the LORD will command his mercies; And at night his praises
are with me, A prayer to the living God. I said to God: "Why have you
forgotten me? Why go I mournfully because of the affliction of my
enemies?"
The Apostle
Hebrews 9:11-end
The Zumara
Be not silent, O God of my praise!
For wicked and deceitful mouths have opened against me,
Speaking to me with a lying tongue and with the voice of hatred,
And attacking me without cause. _
The Gospel
John 13:1-17

The memorial of your many kindnesses. The memorial of your deep
suffering for our salvation is being perfected. Build your Church, O our
Savior. Keep her children from all harm. O Lord, your name is forever.
The memorial of your deep suffering for our salvation is being fulfilled.
Build your Church, O our Savior. Keep her children from all harm.
everlasting, and forever and ever. Amen. The memorial of your deep
suffering for our salvation is being fulfilled. Build your Church, O our
Savior. Keep her children from all harm.

51

Anthem of the Bema
In sorrow receive the Body and Blood of Christ the Son who suffered for
us.
Verses: Our Lord has opened to us a treasury of good things. Draw
near and refresh yourself in the treasures
Of Christ the Son who suffered for us.

52

EVE OF PASSION FRIDAY
AND THE CELEBRATION OF THE MYSTERIES OF
PASSOVER

The memorial of your many kindnesses.
Your Church celebrates the Memorial of your dear Passion, O our
Savior, which was completed for our deliverance. Keep her children
from harm.

Your name is remembered in all generations.
Your Church celebrates the Memorial of your dear Passion, O our
Savior, which was completed for our deliverance. Keep her children
from harm.

O Christ, who by your Cross saved our race from error, lo your Church
is re-enacting your Passion. Make her worthy to rejoice in your
Resurrection.

The Lections
Exodus 12:1-20

Zechariah 9:9-12; 11:4-5,12-13; 12:9-end; 13:7-end

The Shuraya

All who hate me whispered together about me;
They imagined evil against me. _
They contemplated an evil thing:

53

He who lies down will not henceforth rise again.
Even my friend, a man in whom I trusted,
Who ate of my bread, whom I greatly trusted, has acted treacherously
against me.
But you, O Lord, be gracious to me,
And raise me up, and I shall requite them!

The Apostle
1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 10:15-17; 11:23-end

The Zumara

I cried with my voice to the Lord, with my voice I made supplication to
the Lord,
I poured out my entreaty before him. (2)
When my spirit is faint, you know my pathways!
In the way of my footsteps they have hidden snares for me. (2)

The Gospel
Matthew 26:1-5; 14-30


Come, let us glorify the Lord.
With the eye of the mind and of love let us all look upon Christ through
the symbols and types which he gave to us when he was led away to the
suffering of the Cross. The living Sacrifice is placed upon the holy Altar,
and like angels the priests celebrate the Memorial of his death with
voices of thanksgiving, saying, Glory to him for his ineffable gift.

Look to him and hope in him.
With the eye of the mind and of love let us all . . . . . .

54

They Consecrate with the Hallowing of Mar Nestorius

Anthem of the Bema

In sorrow let us receive the Body and Blood of Christ the Son, who
suffered for us.
Verses:

Blessed are you, even you, O last evening, for the evening of Egypt is
fulfilled in you.

The Mystery which Moses ministered in Egypt found fulfillment in
Christ the Son.

The people ate the lesser Passover, and our Lord fulfilled the great
Passover.

The disciples stood between two lambs, and they slew the Lamb and
broke the Body.

Teshbokhta, which was composed by St. Ephrem

O our Lord Jesus, worshipful King, who conquered by your passion the
tyrant death,
Son of God who promised us new life in the Kingdom on high,
our land,

55

name for your gift.
By your grace make us all worthy to confess and worship your Godhead,
And we will lift up glory to your Lordship at every hour, amen and
amen.

(Know that after they receive a little nourishment they complete this
whole night with a Vigil, as our Lord said to his disciples, Watch
and pray, lest you enter into the trial.)

56

EVE OF THE GREAT SABBATH
(No Qurbana is offered on this Friday)
(None Appointed)
The Lections
Isaiah 52:13-53:all
Behold, my servant shall prosper,
he shall be exalted and lifted up,
and shall be very high.
As many were astonished at him
his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,
and his form beyond that of the sons of men
so shall he startle many nations;
kings shall shut their mouths because of him;
for that which has not been told them they shall see,
and that which they have not heard they shall understand.
Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or comeliness that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,

57

he was bruised for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that made us whole,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb,
so he opened not his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the LORD to bruise him;
he has put him to grief;
when he makes himself an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand;
he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous;
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he poured out his soul to death,
and was numbered with the transgressors;

58

yet he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors. _
Daniel 9:21-end
. . . . . . while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had
seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the
evening sacrifice. He came and he said to me, "O Daniel, I have now
come out to give you wisdom and understanding. At the beginning of
your supplications a word went forth, and I have come to tell it to you,
for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the word and understand
the vision.
"Seventy weeks of years are decreed concerning your people and your
holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone
for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and
prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Know therefore and
understand that from the going forth of the word to restore and build
Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be
seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with
squares and moat, but in a troubled time. And after the sixty-two weeks,
an anointed one shall be cut off, and shall have nothing; and the people
of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its
end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war;
desolations are decreed. And he shall make a strong covenant with
many for one week; and for half of the week he shall cause sacrifice and
offering to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one
who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the
desolator." _
The Shuraya
Depart from evil, and do good;
Seek peace, and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous,
And his ears to hear them.

59

The face of the LORD is against the wicked,
To blot out the remembrance of them from the earth. _
The Apostle
Galatians 2:17-3:14
But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were
found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I
build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a
transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to
God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but
Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith
in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not
nullify the grace of God; for if justification were through the law, then
Christ died to no purpose.
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus
Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? Let me ask you only this:
Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?
Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending
with the flesh? Did you experience so many things in vain?if it really
is in vain. Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles
among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?
Thus Abraham "believed God, and it was reckoned to him as
righteousness." So you see that it is men of faith who are the sons of
Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the
Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying,
"In you shall all the nations be blessed." So then, those who are men of
faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith.
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written,
"Cursed be every one who does not abide by all things written in the
book of the law, and do them." Now it is evident that no man is justified
before God by the law; for "He who through faith is righteous shall
live"; but the law does not rest on faith, for "He who does them shall live
by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become

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a curse for usfor it is written, "Cursed be every one who hangs on a
tree"that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon
the Gentiles, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through
faith.
The Zumara
They pierced my hands and feetall my bones cried out (2)
They looked and stared at me; they divided my garments among them.
(2)
The Gospel
Luke:22:63-23:12; Matthew 27:3-10, 19; Luke 23:13-23; Matthew 27:24-25; Luke 23:24-45
(and the sun grew dark); Matthew 27:51-54; John 19:23-end; Matthew 27:60 until they rolled
the stone . . . and went away; Luke 23:54-end
Now the men who were holding Jesus mocked him and beat him; they
also blindfolded him and asked him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck
you?" And they spoke many other words against him, reviling him.
When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered
together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away to their
council, and they said, "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to
them, "If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask you, you will not
answer. But from now on the Son of man shall be seated at the right
hand of the power of God." And they all said, "Are you the Son of God,
then?" And he said to them, "You say that I am." And they said, "What
further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own
lips."
Then the whole company of them arose, and brought him before Pilate.
And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting
our nation, and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he
himself is Christ a king." And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of
the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." And Pilate said
to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no crime in this man." But
they were urgent, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all
Judea, from Galilee even to this place."

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When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And
when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him
over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod
saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because
he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by
him. So he questioned him at some length; but he made no answer. The
chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And
Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him;
then, arraying him in gorgeous apparel, he sent him back to Pilate. And
Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for
before this they had been at enmity with each other. . . . . .
When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and
brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,
saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is
that to us? See to it yourself." And throwing down the pieces of silver in
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 they are blood money." So they took counsel, 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 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.". . . . .
. . . . . . while [Pilate] 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 over him today in a dream.". . . . . . Pilate then called
together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them,
"You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and
after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of
any of your charges against him; neither did Herod, for he sent him back
to us. Behold, nothing deserving death has been done by him; I will
therefore chastise him and release him."
But they all cried out together, "Away with this man, and release to us
Barabbas"a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection

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started in the city, and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more,
desiring to release Jesus; but they shouted out, "Crucify, crucify him!"
A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found
in him no crime deserving death; I will therefore chastise him and
release him." But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he
should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. . . . . ._
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 man's blood; see to it yourselves." And
all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!". . . .
.So Pilate gave sentence that their demand should be granted. He
released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and
murder, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their will.
And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was
coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind
Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of
women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them
said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for
yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when
they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore,
and the breasts that never gave suck!' Then they will begin to say to the
mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this
when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death
with him. And when they came to the place which is called The Skull,
there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on
the left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what
they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people
stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved
others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen
One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him
vinegar, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"
There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you
not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him,

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saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of
condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due
reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he
said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he
said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole
land until the ninth hour, while the suns light failed . . . . . . 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!". . . . . . _
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took his garments and made
four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was without
seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, "Let us not
tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfil the
scripture,
"They parted my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots."
So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his
mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary
Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he
loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"
Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour
the disciple took her to his own home.
After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the
scripture), "I thirst." A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a
sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When
Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed
his head and gave up his spirit.
Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from
remaining on the cross on the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day),

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the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might
be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and
of the other who had been 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 at once there came
out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witnesshis testimony is
true, and he knows that he tells the truththat you also may believe.
For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, "Not a
bone of him shall be broken." And again another scripture says, "They
shall look on him whom they have pierced."
After this Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but
secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the
body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his
body. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to him by night, came
bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds' weight.
They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices,
as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was
crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one
had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the
tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. . . . . . [A]nd [Joseph]
rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed. . . . . .
The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw
the tomb, and how his body was laid; then they returned, and prepared
spices and ointments.
On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
When the Gospel has ended they take down the Cross to the bishop, and he strips its covering
from it and wraps it with a clean linen cloth. He hands it to an elder, who takes it, with the
Gospel, to the Chancel, placing it upon the Altar. However, they take the Staff and the
[previous] covering into the Sacristy.
(None Appointed)
Anthem of the Bema
(None Appointed)

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THE EVE OF THE GREAT SUNDAY OF THE
RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
The Order of the Mysteries After the Sun Has Set
Praise the Lord, all you nations.
All you who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ through
the water and the Spirit, that you may reign with him in the heavenly
dwelling-place.

All you who have been baptized in Christ have put on . . . . . .

You have been baptized into the one Spirit; you have clothed yourselves
with the one Spirit. You have acknowledged one Lord that you may be
called by his name and may take delight in the dwelling-place full of
blessings.

And they recite the Thee, Lord of all and the Holy God, and at
the first Doxology a deacon goes out bearing the Apostle, but there
are no Lections.

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The Apostle
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead; but in fact Christ has
been raised from the dead; but in fact Christ has been raised from the
dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man
came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as
in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his
own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to
Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the
Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he
must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy
to be destroyed is death. "For God has put all things in subjection under
his feet." But when it says, "All things are put in subjection under him,"
it is plain that he is excepted who put all things under him. When all
things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected
to him who put all things under him, that God may be everything to
everyone.
The Zumara
Today my heart is glad and my honor rejoices. (Three times, one
verse.)

The Gospel
Matthew 28
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulchre. And
behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended
from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His

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appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for
fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the
angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek
Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said.
Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples
that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to
Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you." So they departed
quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his
disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Hail!" And they came
up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them,
"Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there
they will see me."
While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and
told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had
assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sum of money
to the soldiers and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and
stole him away while we were asleep.' And if this comes to the
governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So
they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has
been spread among the Jews to this day.
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus
had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but
some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Text: Behold, I announce to you great joy, which shall be for all the
world.

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There is joy in all the earth.
The whole creation is filled with joy and hope and salvation, for it had
long been afflicted with error. Now a good Leader has been found, and a
heavenly Shepherd has returned the lost sheep who had strayed. Lo, the
Adversary complains, saying, All the might of my dominion has been
trodden down and destroyed. For Christ has risen from the dead and has
lightened utterly all the world.
The whole earth is filled with his honor, amen and amen.
The whole creation is filled with joy and hope . . . . . .
The Consecration is done according to the Hallowing of the
Apostles, Mar Addai and Mar Mari, who discipled the East, from
this day until Subara.
The Canon: You are terrible
Today my heart is glad and my honor rejoices; indeed, my body rests in
hope.
For you have not left my soul in Sheol, nor have you allowed your Holy
One to see corruption.

Continuation:
Let the heavens and the earth and all that is in them give thanks with us
on this day.
Therefore, O Christ, with the angels we cry out, Holy and glorious is the
might of your Trinity, for lo, the heavens and the whole earth are filled
with its honor.
And they say:

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Praise the living God.
Anthem of the Bema
In your mercy, O our Lord, you have made us worthy to be made
participants in the glorious, precious, and immortal Mysteries, and you
freely gave them to us sinners when we were not worthy.
Therefore, O Christ, with the angels we cry out, Holy and glorious is the
might of your Trinity, for lo, the heavens and the whole earth are filled
with its honor.
Verses:
Confess, O Church, the slaying of the Son, who delivered your children
through the mystery of his death.
Therefore, O Christ, with the angels we cry out . . . . . .

your blessed hope.

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render praise.
before you.

71

THE ORDER OF CELEBRATION FOR THE PEACE OF
THE RESURRECTION
(The Morning Qurbana)
The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice.
Exult and cry aloud, O mortals, for the dominion of death has been
destroyed. Christ by his suffering has conquered death, and he has
promised life by his resurrection. Behold, the heavens and the earth
rejoice, and companies of angels call aloud, Glory to him who gives life
through his resurrection to the race of men which was perishing.
Exult, make melody, and sing praise.
Exult and cry aloud, O mortals, for the dominion of death . . . . . .

Bless our company, O our Savior, and make your grace to dwell within
it. Grant us, the companies above with those below, the strength that we
may glorify you, and may all cherish one another and attain to love and
unity, as the spiritual ones achieve one will that they may be pleasing to
you.

The Lections

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Isaiah 60:1-7

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen
upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness
the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen
upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the
brightness of your rising.
Lift up your eyes round about, and see; they all gather together, they
come to you; your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be
carried in the arms. Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall
thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to
you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels
shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from
Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall
proclaim the praise of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered
to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up
with acceptance on my altar, and I will glorify my glorious house. _
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah also prayed and said, "My heart exults in the Lord; my strength
is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice
in thy salvation.
"There is none holy like the Lord, there is none besides thee; there is no
rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come
from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him
actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble
gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for
bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has
borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The Lord kills
and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord
makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. He raises up

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the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make
them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the
earth are the Lord's, and on them he has set the world.
"He will guard the feet of his faithful ones; but the wicked shall be cut
off in darkness; for not by might shall a man prevail. The adversaries of
the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in
heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength
to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed."
The Shuraya
The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice. Let us honor the resurrection of
Let the many isles be glad. Let us honor the resurrection of Christ with
spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea hallelujah!
honor the resurrection of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah,
resurrection of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea
hallelujah!

The Apostle
Romans 5:20-6:all; Hebrews 13:20-21
Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace
abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might
reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may
abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do
you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by
baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the
glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall
certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our
old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be
destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has
died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that
we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ being raised from
the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.
The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he
lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive
to God in Christ Jesus.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their
passions. Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of
wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought
from death to life, and your members to God as instruments of
righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not
under law but under grace.
What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace?
By no means! Do you not know that if you yield yourselves to any one
as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of
sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become
obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were
committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of
righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural
limitations. For just as you once yielded your members to impurity and

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to greater and greater iniquity, so now yield your members to
righteousness for sanctification.
When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now
ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been
set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is
sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but
the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. . . . . .
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal
covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will,
working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ;
to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Zumara
The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice,
Let the many isles be glad. (2)
Clouds and thick darkness surround him.
In righteousness and judgment he has set up his throne. (2)

The Gospel
John 20:1-18

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb
early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away
from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other

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disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken
the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid
him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward
the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached
the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying
there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and
went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which
had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a
place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also
went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the
scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back
to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped
to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the
body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to
her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they
have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him."
Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not
know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you
weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she
said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have
laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She
turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the
Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my
Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Mary Magdalene
went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them
that he had said these things to her.
Text: The glory of all the kingdoms of the earth.

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Your resurrection, O our Lord, is the first-fruits of our life. Glory and
riches are in your holy house. Lo, your Church everywhere, which you
purchased with your precious blood, is adorned by you as a bride, and
like a mother with children rejoices in you. Keep her from harm, O my
Lord, and us, O our Savior, we who glorify you within her, have mercy
upon us.
It has become the cornerstone.
Your resurrection, O our Lord, is the first-fruits . . . . . .
The Canon You Are Terrible
Exult and cry out, O mortals, for the dominion of death has been
destroyed.
Lo, Heaven and earth wait for him to come and renew everything in
them.
Today the dominions in Heaven rejoice, for the hope for which they
waited is perfected indeed.
Let us together glorify him and say, You are holy, you are holy, you are
holy, O Lord of all. Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Anthem of the Bema
Come, all you peoples, let our lips be moved with thanksgiving, for
Christ, the Savior of all, is risen, and behold, he has sat down at the right
hand of the hidden Father on high. Let us all approach the Body and
Blood of Christ in great fear and trembling, for our Lord gives us
heavenly bread. Let us all together receive the symbol of his death and
resurrection.

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Verses:
On the day of your resurrection death was destroyed and Satan was cast
down, and new life reigned over all.
Of Your Body and Your Blood:
The perfected Mysteries are set forth before us, and they are full of life
without end.
By the death of the Son life sprang up in us, and death was removed
from our manhood.
your blessed hope.

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render praise.
before you.

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MONDAY OF THE WEEK OF WEEKS


Blessed is he who by his resurrection imparted encouragement to the
race of mortals.

His praises will always be in my mouth.
Blessed is he who by his resurrection imparted encouragement to the
race of mortals.

Let us lift up glory and confession to the Son who saved us by his Cross.

The Lections
Isaiah 60:9-end
Acts 2:14-36

The Shuraya
For you did not leave my soul in Sheol. Let us honor the resurrection of
Nor did you let your Holy One see corruption. Let us honor the
hallelujah!
honor the resurrection of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah,

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From everlasting, and for ever and ever. Amen. Let us honor the
hallelujah!
The Apostle
Ephesians 6:10-end

The Zumara

The Lord reigns; he is clothed with majesty; the Lord clothes himself
with strength and waxes mighty. (2)
Yea, the world is established that it might not be moved; your throne is
established from of old; you are from everlasting. (3)

The Gospel
John 14:18-15:15


We have come to the appointed meeting at the harbor of life, at the
glorious resurrection of Christ our Savior, who is the Ruler of creation
and Overseer of those who are afflicted. In his loving-kindness he has
made us worthy to look upon the night of wonder in which the stars
shone with light mystically within the waters.

He led them to the harbor which they sought.
We have come to the appointed meeting at the harbor . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
The absolving Body and Blood are offered upon the holy Altar for our
salvation, for they are the remembrances of the living sacrifice, and of
the resurrection of our Savior from the dead, which he prepared for us
with his own hands.

82

Let us all, with reverence and with perfect love, receive the fearful
Mysteries, and with the angels let us cry out and offer praise. Hallelujah,
hallelujah!
Verses:
Blessed are you, O Church, for your Lord is risen, and he has brought
with him life for your children.
Let us all, with reverence and with perfect love receive the fearful
Mysteries, and with the angels let us cry out and offer praise: Hallelujah,
hallelujah!


your blessed hope.
render praise.
before you.

83

TUESDAY OF THE WEEK OF WEEKS


How good and how lovely.
Glorious is the renewal which our Savior brought about for the race of
mortals.

For him glory is meet.
Glorious is the renewal which our Savior brought about for the race of
mortals.


The Lections
Isaiah 61:1-9
Acts 2:37-end
The Shuraya
O Lord my God, I besought you, and you have healed me.
You have brought up my soul from Sheol,
Restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
Sing praises to the Lord, O his chosen ones,
And give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

The Apostle

The Zumara

84

Glorify the Lord, all nations! Praise him, all peoples! (2)
For he has strengthened his steadfast love toward us; truly the Lord
endures for ever. (2)

The Gospel
Luke 24:13-35
There is joy is all the earth.
On the day of your resurrection, O our Lord, you made earth a heaven in
your compassion, for your Cross reigns over all the world, and in the
brightness of its rays night has no dominion. Lo, the garrulous stars
glitter in the morning, and the cloud of debts cannot cover those who
ascend from Baptism. Keep them, O our Lord, and save us, and have
mercy upon us.

God reigns over the nations.
On the day of your resurrection, O our Lord, you made . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
Receive with one accord the ineffable Sacrifice and Oblation without
equal of the Body and Blood of Christ. By his death we obtained the
dismissal of all evils, and by his resurrection he highly exalted us, and it
is right that we should cry aloud to him with the spiritual beings,
Hallelujah!
Verses: Give thanks, all you peoples who have been made kinfolk of
Abraham through faith. And it is right that we should cry aloud to him
with the spiritual beings, Hallelujah!

85

WEDNESDAY OF THE WEEK OF WEEKS
Your resurrection, O Christ, became life for the race of men which was
perishing, for they rose up and were given new life and acquired
salvation through the great power of the Cross. They put aside and
rejected paganism and the entire error of idols, and they bowed down
and worshiped the one Being who delivered the ages through his living
Son.

He asked you for life; you gave it to him.
Your resurrection, O Christ, became life . . . . . .

The Cross of Light appeared to Constantine in the heavens as the
commander went at the head of his army to battle, and the ranks of the
pagan worshippers of creatures were shaken and dismayed; and they left
the error of paganism and worshiped and honored the Cross.

The Lections
Isaiah 61:10-62:5

Acts 4:23-31

The Shuraya
For the Lord is a great God,
A King greater than all gods.

The Apostle

86

Ephesians 4:1-16

The Zumara

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament shows forth
his handiwork. (2)
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night shows forth
knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, where their voice is
not heard. (3)

The Gospel
John 15:1-25


Christ is risen from the dead and has loosed the pain and fetters of
insatiable death. He has also raised up those who had fallen into
corruption. On this gladsome Feast let everyone, then, who has been
deemed worthy to be baptized with him into the great victory over Sheol
cry out and say, You are holy, O God; you are holy, O Mighty One; you
are holy, O Immortal One; have mercy upon us.
That he may show forth his might.
Christ is risen from the dead and has loosed . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
This is the Body and Blood of our Lord, whom the nations received and
believed, and were saved.
Verses: The tree gave to Abraham the lamb, which bleated and called
to him, but our Lord gave us the Cross, which calls all to the Kingdom.

87

THURSDAY OF THE WEEK OF WEEKS

Because they did not keep the covenant of God.
The race of men incurred the judgment of death and of the curse. Christ
in his love chose to be crucified that he might free all from the curse.
The immeasurable Sea of Mercies gave himself to those who bound him,
and his body tasted temporal death, but he loosed death and the curse.

The foundations of the hills were shaken and were riven.
The race of men incurred the judgment of death . . . . . .


The Lections
Isaiah 54:1-15

Acts 6:1-7
The Shuraya

O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,
Show forth his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praise to him,
Tell of all his wonderful works!
Glorify his holy name!

The Apostle
Colossians 2:8-3:4

88

The Zumara

I thank you that you have answered me and have become my savior. The
stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. (3)
This is the day which the Lord has made; come, let us rejoice and be
glad in it. Save me, O Lord! O Lord, deliver me! Blessed be he who
comes in the name of the Lord! (4)

The Gospel
Matthew 10:1-15

All you who have been deemed worthy of the gift of the Holy Spirit,
come, let us praise God, who greatly loves us; for in his compassion he
has called us all children of light and named us heirs of the Kingdom. In
faith and love, and with a pure and holy heart, let us approach him who
makes us worthy by his mercies of the gift of life and the holy
Mysteries.

All you who have been deemed worthy of the gift . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
This is the holy Sacrifice by which sinners are pardoned. This is the
heavenly Bread, and the Drink which descends from on high. This is the
Body of the Son of God, who in his mercies breaks it for us, hallelujah!
Verses: The Son, eternal and everlasting, the Begotten of the Father and
of his same essence, who gave his own body and whom evil men
sacrificed on Golgotha that he might give life to all, died as he chose,
came alive as he sought, and gave to his Church his own Body and
Blood, hallelujah!

89

Teshbokhta
tyrant death,
our land,
to meet you, according to your will,
name for your gift.

90

FRIDAY OF CONFESSORS
(Celebrated as a Feast)

Come; listen, and I will tell you.

O Daniel, the youth pleasing to God, tell us how you saw the Son. I saw
him flying in the clouds, and he was like the Ancient of Days, whose
dominion is Heaven and earth.


O Daniel, the youth pleasing to God, tell us how . . . . . .


How lovely it is to sing praise in this holy house, in which reside the
Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, priests, and teachers, and in which the holy
Table is arranged for the pardon of the children of Adam.

The Lections
Daniel 6:6-end
Acts 6:8-7:1, 51-8:2
The Shuraya
For you we are slain daily. Let us honor the Memorial of the Martyrs
with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea hallelujah!

We are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Let us honor the Memorial of
the Martyrs with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea hallelujah!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

91

From everlasting, and forever and ever. Amen.

Let us honor the Memorial of the Martyrs with spiritual songs.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea hallelujah!

The Apostle
Hebrews 11:3-10, 32-12:2

The Zumara

For your sake we are slain daily, and accounted as sheep for the
slaughter.
Rouse yourself, and do not sleep, O Lord.
Remember us! Do not forget us! (4)
Do not turn your face from us.
Do not forget our low estate and our afflictions.
For our soul has been brought down to the dust;
Our belly has cleaved to the ground. (4)

The Gospel

Matthew 10:16-33


They are planted in the house of the Lord.

You are pleasant blossoms in holy Church, as it were in Paradise, O
Athletes of Christ, and through the sweet fragrance of your triumphs,
behold, every place is hallowed by you; for you were slain for Christ,
and in him, lo, you bestow healing for all diseases. But as in the crowns

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of your sufferings you shine in glory, beseech and supplicate the Lord of
all to have pity upon our souls.

The cedars of Lebanon which you planted.

You are pleasant blossoms in holy Church, as it were . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

On the Memorial of the holy Martyrs approach, my brothers, and receive
the precious Body and living and life-giving Blood of the Son of the
Lord of all, who appointed their Memorial upon his Altar and caused
hidden power to dwell in their bones, that they may bestow all assistance
in holy Church, in which we sing, Hallelujah!

Verses:

O Martyrs, who were made spiritual stewards, assist our company by
your prayers, for he has appointed your Memorial upon his Altar and
caused hidden power to dwell in your bones, that they may bestow all
assistance in holy Church, in which we sing, Hallelujah!

93

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION
WHICH IS CALLED NEW


Your resurrection, O our Lord, became life for the race of men which
was perishing, for they rose up and were given new life and acquired
Son.

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him.
Your resurrection, O Christ, became life for the race . . . . . .


The Lections
Isaiah 55:4-end
Acts 4:32-5:5
The Suraya

How good and pleasant it is
When brothers dwell as one!
It is like the oil running down upon the head and upon the beard,
The beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robe!
It is like the dew of Hermon descending upon Mount Zion!

94

For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, and life for evermore.

The Apostle
Colossians 1:1-20
The Zumara

Sing to the Lord with lyres and the sound of melody!
With the sound of horns sing praise before the King, the Lord! (2)
Let the sea be moved in its fullness;
The world and its inhabitants!
Let the floods clap their hands together. (3)

The Gospel
John 20:19-end

Text: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are unable to
kill the soul.

Be strengthened, and let your heart take courage.
Though you have shed your outer garments, do not shed your inner
vestment, O baptized. If you have clothed yourselves with this hidden
armor, the tempest of many trials will not overwhelm you. Have you
understood the words which you have heard? Have you understood that
which you have eaten of the living Sacrifice? Beware of the Evil One
lest he make you waver like Adam and make you strangers to the
glorious Kingdom as he alienated him, and desires to alienate us again.
Therefore, cry aloud with us to Christ to strengthen our souls by his
Holy Spirit.

Beware, and do not sin.
Though you have shed your outer garments . . . . . .

95

Anthem of the Bema

Lo, within the Church the medicine of life is administered, which comes
down from on high and is hidden mystically in bread and wine.
Then stretch out your hands, O mortals, who by your sins have laid hold
of habitations in Sheol.
Take, be pardoned, and acquire life; reign with Christ, and cry out and
say, Hallelujah!

Verses:

This is the Physician who descended into Sheol and healed those who
had wasted away in their sins.
Then stretch out your hands, O mortals, who by your sins have laid hold
of habitations in Sheol.
Take, be pardoned, and acquire life; reign with Christ, and cry out and
say, Hallelujah!

96

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION
Blessed is he who by his resurrection bestowed consolation upon the
race of mortals.

Blessed is he who by his resurrection bestowed consolation upon the
race of mortals.


The Lections
Isaiah 56:1-7
Acts 5:34-end
The Shuraya

There is none like you, O Lord my God, nor are there any works like
yours. All the nations you have made

The Apostle
Ephesians 1:1-14
The Zumara

I thank you that you have answered me and have become my Savior.
The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the cornerstone. (3)

97

This is the day which the Lord has made;
Come, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save me, O Lord! O Lord, deliver me!
Blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord!_ (4)

The Gospel
John 14:1-14

Text: For Christ died for our sins, as it is written. We proclaim
Christ crucified.

Christ was crucified, died, and was buried, and the great King of Glory
rose and obtained new life. He ascended to Heaven and reigns over all,
and he is going to come to judge the living as well as the dead.

That he may manifest his power.
Christ was crucified, died, and was buried . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

Those who have received your Body and live by your Blood worship
you with the angels in Heaven, saying, Holy, holy, you are holy, O Lord.

Verses: Kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bow down to you and
bring you offerings, saying, Holy, holy, you are holy, O Lord.

98

FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION

I will extol you, O my Lord the King.
The Cross of Christ slew sin, which was killing our nature, and
companies of witnesses marveled at the victory at the top of the Wood,
for the man who hung on the Cross overcame two mighty things, Satan
and corrupting death.

The poor shall hear and rejoice.
The Cross of Christ slew sin, which was killing . . . . . .

O Christ, who reconciled the height and the depth with your own blood,
reconcile priests and kings, O my Lord, and raise up your Church in
your compassion. May one standard of faith reign in all the world
through your loving-kindness, O merciful Lord.

The Lections
Isaiah 49:13-23
Acts 8:14-25
The Shuraya

Hear this, all peoples!
Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
Children of the earth and sons of men,
Rich and poor together!
My mouth shall speak wisdom;
My heart shall meditate on understanding.

The Apostle
Ephesians 1:15-2:5

99

The Zumara

The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad! (2)
Clouds and thick darkness are round about him; in righteousness and
judgment he has set up his throne. (2)

The Gospel
John 16:16-end
Text: He has put them to shame openly in himself: he who gave
himself for us.

You have saved us from our enemies.
O Jesus our victorious King, who came and saved us by your Cross,
putting an end to the dominion of death which held us in our sins, and
putting to shame Satan and his host openly, we beseech you, keep us in
your compassion, and make us worthy of the fearful gift of your holy
Mysteries. In your loving-kindness, O my Lord, you have given us the
gift for the pardon of our debts and the salvation of our souls.

You have saved us, O Lord God of truth.
O Jesus our victorious King, who came and saved . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
Behold, the Body and living Blood of Christ forgives debts. Draw near,
O peoples, and receive pardon from the Table of the Kingdom,
hallelujah!

Verses: Jonathan tasted the honey at the top of staff and his eyes were
enlightened. Behold, enlighten your minds with the sweetness of the
Cross, hallelujah!

100

FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION
(Memorial of Mar Addai the Apostle)


Hear this, all you peoples.
The race of men incurred the judgment of death and of the curse. Christ
in his love chose to be crucified that he might free all from the curse. He,
a measureless sea of mercies, gave himself to his captors, his body
tasting temporal death, and he loosed death and the curse.

For they did not keep the covenant of God.
The race of men incurred the judgment of death . . . . . .


The Lections
Isaiah 49:7-13
Acts 9:1-19
The Shuraya

One generation shall tell of your works to another,
And shall make known your might.
They shall speak of your fearful powers,
And shall proclaim your mighty deeds,
And I will declare your greatness.

101

The Apostle
Hebrews 10:19-36
The Zumara

The Lord reigns; he is clothed in majesty; the Lord is girded with
strength and waxes mighty. (2)
The world is established so that it cannot be moved; your throne is
established from of old; you are from everlasting. (3)

The Gospel
John 21:1-14

Text: Your throne will never come to an end: to the fullness of
times: thus you must observe my memorial.

The memorial of your loving-kindnesses.
The Memorial of Christ, who suffered for us, we celebrate with bread
and wine, as it is written. Let us sanctify our bodies and purify our
consciences from wavering and deceitful thoughts, that we may not be
accused when he comes to judge the world.

We are your people and the sheep of your pasture.
The Memorial of Christ, who suffered for us . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

With purity of conscience and with clean thoughts let us approach the
live coal which was given in mercies for pardon and for an earnest of
new life. Let us all in love embrace the Mystery, and in fear let us serve
the High Priest who absolves us.

102

And with spiritual beings let us offer to him the thrice-Holy hymn, for he
gives to our race fellowship in the food of new life, here mystically, and
there in truth, when glory will shine forth at his great Coming.

Verses:

With the Mystery of his Body the Son of God nourishes mortals by his
manifestation to them.
And with spiritual beings let us offer to him . . . . . .

103

SIXTH SUNDAY OF RESURRECTION

Your resurrection, O our Lord, became life for the race of men which
was perishing, for they rose up and were given new life and acquired
Son.

Your resurrection, O our Lord, became life for the race of men . . . . . .


The Lections
Isaiah 51:9-11; 52:7-12
Acts 10:1-16
The Shuraya

For who in the heaven of heavens can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the companies of angels is like the Lord?
God stands in the congregation of the holy ones,
Great and terrible above all that are round about him.
Who is mighty as you are,
O Lord God of hosts?

104

The Apostle
Ephesians 2:4-end
The Zumara

Praise the Lord, all you nations! Extol him, all peoples! (2)
Great is Gods steadfast love for us; truly the Lord endures forever. (2)

The Gospel
John 17

Text: This is the bread which the Lord gives to eat; this is a great
mystery.

Lo, the true Shepherd who suffered for us, the rational sheep delivered
by the Cross, has prepared for you a heavenly type. Draw near and take
delight in the life-giving Mysteries. Drink the cup of salvation which
Christ has mixed for you.

Those who are upright in their heart.
Lo, the true Shepherd who suffered for us . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
Blessed is the Shepherd who sees his hungry flock and breaks his Body
for it and opens his side for drink, supplying it with living water.
Hallelujah!
Verses:
If the lions were terrified at the body of Daniel, how much more are
Sheol and sin terrified at the Body of our Savior. Hallelujah!

105

THE HOLY FEAST OF THE ASCENSION
OF OUR LORD TO HEAVEN


(They go out at this Anthem of the Chancel to the courtyard, and they remain there at the
Oratory until the Doxology in the Anthem of the Gospel. When it is sung they re-enter the Nave
and ascend the Bema and complete the rest of the Mysteries according to the Ordinal. Thus they
do until the first Sunday of the Hallowing of the Church.)

Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever.
Cherubim surround the terrible throne of your majesty, O Lord, and with
fear and trembling they cover their faces with their wings, for they are
unable to lift up their eyes and look at the fire which is your Godhead.
And you, who are thus glorious, dwelt among men, not to set them afire,
but to enlighten them. Great, O my Lord, is your mercy, and your grace,
which you visited upon our race. Glory be to you.

The Lord set up his throne in the heavens.
Cherubim surround the terrible throne of your majesty . . . . . .

Your servants wait for life and continual benefits, O our Savior, and take
refuge in the faith, seeking shelter beneath the wings of the Cross. Keep
in your compassion the company of your worshippers, and fulfill for
them your declared promises, for you said to your friends in your
Gospel, Everyone who believes in me shall inherit the Kingdom and
eternal life. Make us worthy, O my Lord, that with your saints we may
sing to you within your Kingdom, Glory be to you!

The Lections
2 Kings 2:1-15
Acts 1:1-14

106

The Shuraya

God has gone up in glory, the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. Let
us honor the ascension of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah,

Sing to God with praise; sing to our King. Let us honor the ascension of

honor the ascension of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah,

ascension of Christ with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea
hallelujah!

The Apostle
1 Timothy 1:18-2:all; 3:14-end
The Zumara

Sing to the Lord who rides in the heaven of heavens; from the East he
gives his voice, a mighty voice. (2)
His power is in the heaven of heavens. You are terrible, O God, from
your sanctuary. The God of Israel will give power and strength to his
people. Blessed be God! (4)

The Gospel

Luke 24:36-end

107

Anthem of the Gospel

Text: He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

God has gone up in glory, the Lord with the sound of the trumpet.
The First-fruits which the Only-begotten Word of the Father took from
us ascended to the heaven of heavens on high, borne upon a chariot of
cherubim, and treading out the way for our race.
He made peace between the height and the depth, and gladdened them
on the day of his ascension; and he entered to minister in the divine Holy
of Holies for our salvation, and sat down on the throne of the Kingdom
at the right hand of the Father who had sent him, exalting his people and
raising us up at his right hand, as it is written.
Sing praise and give thanks to him with fear and love on account of this
grace, for he is the Head of the body, which is holy Church. Supplicate
and beseech him to have pity upon us.

On the great day of the ascension of the heavenly King of kings to the
great height of Heaven he lifted up his holy hands and blessed the
company of his Apostles. And he was separated from the disciples and
ascended in glory to Heaven. A cloud of light received him, and he was
hidden from their eyes; and the disciples could no longer see him.
And behold, two angels stood in white clothing and said to the company
of the Apostles, men, why do you stand about looking above at the
heavens? This Jesus who has been taken up will come in glory on the
great day of the resurrection. And in sadness the disciples returned from
the mountain called Olivet, and they remained in the Temple daily
glorifying and blessing the Lord. According to the commandment they
remained in the Jerusalem Temple until they were endued with the Holy
Spirit and were made witnesses in all Judea, and in Jerusalem, and

108

preached, proclaiming the Good News and making disciples and
baptizing in the name of Jesus, to whom be glory.


Text: Which the Lord planted and not man: A tabernacle which
cannot be moved.

How good and how beautiful.
The Tabernacle which our Savior entered is not like that which Moses
previously made, which the High Priest alone was appointed to enter,
but he entered Heaven in order to minister and to make ready the
Kingdom which does not pass away. And though he did not deserve to
die at all, he gave himself for us that we might be justified through his
death. Blessed is he who took humanity from us and dwelt in it and
made it the First-born, Lord, and Judge. O Eternally Existing One who
dwells on high, glory be to you!

More than all the tabernacles of Jacob.
The Tabernacle which our Savior entered . . . . . .

The Canon "You Are Terrible"

ever. Blessed be the glory of the Lord from his place.
God has gone up in glory, the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. Sing
to God with praise; sing to our King.

God reigns over the nations; God sits upon his holy throne.


109

The spiritual ones stand in companies, celebrating the Son on the day of
his ascension.

While they watched him ascending a cloud received him and he was
hidden from their sight.

Let us glorify this precious Blood and Body which we have all received,
and let us say, Hallelujah, hallelujah!


Anthem of the Bema

From the heights above Christ our Lord, the Savior of all, clothed
himself with majesty, glory, and splendor, giving salvation to the nations
and the forgiveness of debts and sins for the pardon of all.
Let us glorify this precious Blood and Body which we have all received,
and let us say, Hallelujah, hallelujah!

Verses:

Remain in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from
on high. Let us glorify this precious Blood and Body which we have all
received, and let us say, Hallelujah, hallelujah! He led them out as far as
Bethany, and he raised his hands and blessed them. Let us glorify this
precious Blood and Body which we have all received, and let us say,
Hallelujah, hallelujah! And it happened that as he was blessing them he
was separated from them and ascended to Heaven.

110

Of Your Body and Blood:

Blessed is Christ, who completed fully his compassion and ascended to
the Heaven of heavens. The disciples marveled at that hour when the
cloud took him from them. The gates were opened and companies cried
aloud, and the Father called out, Come, my Beloved, enter.

The Teshbokhta
(Composed by Yazdin the Great)

your blessed hope.
Make the tongues that cry out "Holy" to speak the truth.
Cause the feet that walk within the churches to walk in that land of light.
render praise.
before you.

111

SUNDAY AFTER THE ASCENSION

The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice.
Our Lord Christ reigns and has obtained honor; let all the earth rejoice.
The ordinary nature of the house of Adam, lo, spiritual beings celebrate.
Let our feeble nature be glad in the Son of our race who became King
and was taken up to Heaven in glory.

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth exult.
Our Lord Christ reigns and has obtained honor . . . . . .

The Cross of Christ has slain sin, which was killing our nature, and
companies of witnesses marveled at the victory at the top of the wood,
for the body which hung on the Cross conquered two mighty things:
Satan and corrupting death.

The Lections
Isaiah 6

Acts 1:15-end

The Shuraya

Blessed be the Lord, who chose for himself the elect in a mighty city.
I had said in my haste, "I am cut off from your sight."
But you heard the voice of my petition when I called upon you.
Love the Lord, all you his saints!
The Lord preserves the faithful,
But requites the deeds of the wicked.

112

Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
All you who hope in the Lord!

The Apostle
Philippians 1:27-2:11

The Zumara

God has gone up in glory, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing in
praise to God! Sing to our King! (2)
For God is King of all the earth; sing glory to him! God reigns over the
nations; God sits on his holy throne. (3)

The Gospel
Mark 16:2-end


There is joy in all the earth.
On the day when the heavenly Son of the King was taken up in glory to
his Father there was joy in Heaven, sadness among the disciples, and the
sound of watchers sounding spiritual trumpets, for the Heir returned to
the house of his Father.

The King, who was from us, traveled to a distant land that he might
receive the Kingdom, riding upon the wings of the Spirit. Heavenly
companies celebrated him, and he opened the gates of the firmament,
which had been shut from of old, and entered to reign in the land without
fear.

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Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The Son of the King sat down upon the throne of glory and brought
peace above and below. Come, let us offer praise to him who exalted our
race by his ascension, reconciled us with his Sender, who was angry
because of our wickedness, and promised us eternal life.

God sits upon his holy throne.
The Son of the King sat down upon the throne . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

In the heights above Christ, our Lord and the Savior of all, is clothed
with majesty, glory, and honor, granting salvation to the nations, and
forgiveness of debts and sins for the pardon of all.
For this precious Blood and Body which we have all received let us
praise him with thanksgiving, saying, Hallelujah!

Verses:

You must remain in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with
power from on high.
He took them out as far as Bethany; and he lifted up his hands and
blessed them.
And it happened that after he had blessed them he was separated from
them and ascended to Heaven.
PENTECOST SUNDAY
The Entrance Into the Fast of the Apostles

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With a loud voice let us all glorify the Creator, great in power and
might, who has granted us to know him, the one nature and one infinite
power, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

With the sound of trumpets sing glory before the Lord, the King.
With a loud voice let us all glorify the Creator . . . . . .

How lovely to sing glory in this holy house, in which there are Prophets,
Apostles, Martyrs, priests, and teachers, and in which the holy Table is
set up for the pardon of the children of Adam.

The Lections
Exodus 19:1-9; 20:18-21
Acts 2:1-21
The Shuraya

Create in me a pure heart, O God. Let us honor the descent of the Holy
Spirit with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea hallelujah!
And renew your steadfast Spirit within me. Let us honor the descent of
the Holy Spirit with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea
hallelujah!
honor the descent of the Holy Spirit with spiritual songs. Hallelujah,
From everlasting, and forever and ever, amen. Let us honor the descent
of the Holy Spirit with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea
hallelujah!

The Apostle

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The Zumara

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew your steadfast spirit within
me. Cast me not away from your presence; (3)
Take not your Holy Spirit from me, but restore to me your delight and
your salvation, and let your glorious spirit uphold me. (3)

The Gospel
John 14:15-17, 25-26; 15:26-16:15

Lay hold of armor and shield, and rise up in my assistance.
Christ clothed his Apostles with the armor of the Holy Spirit and
revealed the hidden mystery of his Godhead, which is proclaimed in
three qnome.
He settled upon them as tongues, in the likeness of fire, and they began
to speak the praises of Christ the Lord in various languages. The people
and the peoples were standing in great awe. What is this new thing
which is happening, for hidden mysteries are being revealed by those
who are unlearned and fishermen? O Christ, who enriched your servants
with your gifts, have pity upon your Church. Preserve her children and
have mercy upon her.

The armor and sword in battle.
Christ clothed his Apostles with the armor of the Holy Spirit . . . . . .

Pray, come to our aid, O Compassionate One, and deliver us. Grant us
that ceaselessly with your saints we may sing glory to your Lordship.
You have determined for your priests authority on high and dominion in
the depths. Receive at every hour their prayers, and open the door to
their petition, and answer in your mercies their requests. Consecrate

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with your holiness the deacons, the servants of your pleasant Mysteries,
that they may hallow you in a holy manner, O Holy One who sanctifies
all. Again, pour out the dew of your mercies upon the faithful who take
refuge in your churches, and hide them with your right arm from harm
and contrary circumstances. Make the hard times of avarice to depart
from them, and grant them mercies in the eyes of kings. Loose their
bonds in your mercies, and cause their judgment to issue in justice.
Make us all worthy to dwell in a quiet and restful habitation, to find
mercies on the day of restitution, to be led according to your
commandments, and to please the will of your Lordship. O Christ, the
Pacifier of all creation, bring peace to your Church. Preserve her
children through the prayers of all your saints, and have mercy upon her.


Text: Because power belongs to God we will sing his praises all the
days of our life in the house of the Lord.

Glorify the Lord in his sanctuary, for his sanctuary is forever and ever.

We sing praise to the great and worshipful power of the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost. We acknowledge his dominion and laud him who is
infinite, the incomprehensible Godhead, the Trinity in one nature, whose
dominion reigns from everlasting to everlasting.

Come, let us praise the Lord.
We sing praise to the great and worshipful power . . . . . .

The Canon: You Are Terrible

You are terrible, O God Most High, from your holy place forever and
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew your steadfast Spirit within
me.

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The Paraclete descended today, granting wisdom to his servants through
his gifts.

On the Feast of Passover he sacrificed himself in the type of a lamb, and
on the Feast of Pentecost he sealed his victory.

Let us all through the loving-kindness of our Savior draw near to him in
faith, and let us receive the Body and Blood of Christ the Son, singing
praise and saying, Hallelujah!

The Order of Worship

Before the deacon says, Glorify the living God!, they draw the
veil of the Temple and pray:

May the worshipful and glorious name of the glorious Trinity be
worshiped, praised, honored, exalted, confessed, and blessed in Heaven
and on earth at every hour, O Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
forever. Amen.

The Antiphon: The Paraclete descended today upon the disciples: let us
confess, worship, and glorify Christ the King. And they sing this with
each verse. Whenever those in the Altar sing a verse, those outside
kneel, and whenever those outside sing a verse, those in the Altar
kneel.

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Psalm 66

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the honor of his name; sing the honor of his praise!
Say to God, "How terrible are your deeds!
In the multitude of your power
your enemies shall be proved false by you.
In all the earth they shall worship you; they shall sing to you,
Sing praises to your name forever."
They shall say, Come and see the works of God:
Whose wonders are multiplied to us.
He turned the sea into dry land;
They passed through the river on foot.
There we shall rejoice in him, who rules by his might forever,
Whose eyes keep watch on the nations,
Let not the rebellious exalt themselves for ever.
Bless our God, O peoples,
Let the sound of his praise be heard,
Who has established our soul in life,
and has not given our foot to stumbling.
For you, O God, have tested us;
You have tried us as they try silver.
You brought us into the net; you brought affliction on our loins;
You made men ride over our heads;
You brought us into fire and water;
And you brought us forth to a spacious place.
I will come to your house with reverence; I will pay you my vows,
That which opened my lips and the speech of my mouth during trouble.
I will offer to you fat burnt offerings, with the savor of rams;
I will sacrifice bulls and young goats.
Come and hear, and I will tell you,
All you servants of God,
What he has done for my soul.
I called to him with my mouth, and he answered me,
and I extolled him with my tongue:

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If you have seen iniquity in my heart, do not deliver me, O Lord.
Then God heard the voice of my petition.
Blessed be the Lord,
Because he has not ignored my prayer or removed his loving-kindness
from me!

Psalm 86

Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
For I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for you are good;
Save you servant, O God, who trusts in you.
Be gracious to me, O Lord,
For upon you I will cry all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
For to you, O Lord, I have lifted up my soul.
For you, O Lord, are good
And great is your loving-kindness to all who call on you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
Hearken to my cry.
In the day of my trouble I called upon you, and you answered me.
There is none like you, O Lord my God,
nor are there any works like yours.
Shall come and bow down to you, O Lord,
You alone, O God, do wondrous things.
Show us your way, O Lord, and I will walk in truth;
My heart will rejoice in those who fear your name.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
And I will glorify your name for ever.
For your loving-kindness has multiplied toward me,
And you have delivered my soul from Sheol below.
O God, the wicked have risen up against me;

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An assembly of mighty men have sought my life,
and they have not kept you in mind.
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
Long-suffering and abounding in loving-kindness and truth.
Turn to me and have mercy upon me;
Give strength to your servant, and save the child of your handmaid.
Perform for me a favorable sign,
That those who hate me may see and be put to shame
Because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

And a deacon says at all prayers: Let us pray; peace be with us. Bow
down. . . . . . Arise in the strength of God.

Prayer

A new song, O my Lord, and an exalted confession, and prostrate
adoration, and continual thanksgiving we are obliged to offer to your
glorious Trinity at all times, O Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
forever. Amen.
The Marmitha

Antiphon: Let us again confess that at the end of times we were saved
by his Son, and he reconciled with us the height and the depth.

Psalm 96
O sing to the Lord a new song;
Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his honor among the nations,
His works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
Fearful above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless;

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The Lord made the heavens.
Brightness and glory are before him;
Power and praise are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and honor!
Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his name;
Bring offerings, and come into his courts!
Worship the Lord in the court of his sanctuary;
Tremble before him, all the earth!
Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!
The world is established, that it may not be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity."
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
Let the sea exult in its fullness;
Let the fields flourish, and everything in them!
Then shall all the trees of the wood sing praise _
Before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with faithfulness.

Psalm 97
The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice;
Let the many isles be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are round about him;
With righteousness and justice he has established his throne.
Fire shall consume before him,
And burn up his adversaries.
His lightnings have lightened the world;
The earth saw and was discomfited.
The mountains melted like wax
Before the Lord, the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens made known his righteousness;
And all the peoples beheld his honor.
All who make idols shall be put to shame,
Who make their boast in graven images;

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Worship him, all you his angels.
Let Zion hear and be glad,
And let the daughters of Judah rejoice,
Because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you, O Lord, are high above all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.
The friends of the Lord hate evil;
He preserves the souls of his righteous ones;
He will deliver them from the hand of the wicked
A light dawning for the righteous,
And joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
And give thanks for a memorial of his holiness!

Psalm 98

O sing to the Lord a new song,
For he has done a marvelous thing!
His right hand and his holy arm have delivered him.
The Lord has made known his salvation,
He has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his loving-kindness and faithfulness to those of the
house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Sing praise to the Lord, all the earth;
Exult, sing, and give praise!
Sing to the Lord with the lyre and the sound of melody!
With the sound of horns sing praise before the King, the Lord!
Let the sea tremble in its fullness;
The world and its inhabitants!
Let the floods clap their hands together;
Let the hills sing praise before the Lord,
For he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with truth,
And the peoples with equity. _

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And a deacon says: Let us pray, peace be with us. Bow down.

Prayer

You who sit upon the throne of the cherubim, celebrated by bands of
angels, whose signal set in motion the earth, and whose command
inspired the world with awe, we are obligated to confess, worship, and
glorify at all times, O Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever.
Amen.

The Marmitha

Antiphon: Truly, worship is meet for the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. Worshipful is the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, who descended
and dwelt upon the disciples.

Psalm 99

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
He sits upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
The Lord is great in Zion;
He is exalted over all the peoples.
Let them praise thy great and terrible name, for it is holy!
The might of the King loves judgment,
You have established equity and judgment;
You have executed righteousness in Jacob.
Extol the Lord our God;
Worship at his footstool!
Holy is he! Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
And Samuel was among those who called on his name.
They cried to the Lord, and he answered them.
He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud;
They kept his testimonies, and the covenant that he gave them.

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O Lord our God, you answered them;
O God, you are for them an avenger.
Requite them according to their deeds.
Extol the Lord our God,
And worship at his holy mountain;
For the Lord our God is holy!

Psalm 100

Sing praise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with praise!
Know that the Lord is our God!
It is he that made us, and not we;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name!
For the Lord is good; his loving-kindness endures for ever,
And his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 101

I will sing of goodness and of judgment;
I will glorify the Lord.
I will walk in the way that is blameless.
O when will you come to me?
I have walked with the integrity of my heart within my house;
I have not set before my eyes a wicked thing.
I have hated the evil-doer; he does not accompany me.
An evil heart departs from me;
I have known no wickedness.
Him who slanders his neighbor secretly I have caused to cease.
I have not eaten with the man of haughty looks and prideful heart.
My eyes are on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me;

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He who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.
No man who practices deceit shall dwell in my house;
No man who utters falsehood shall continue in my sight.
By morning I will silence all the wicked in the land,
Cutting off from the city of the Lord
All the evildoers.

And a deacon says: Let us pray. Peace be with us. Bow down.

Prayer

We supplicate you, O Treasury of helps, Fountain of all blessings,
overflowing Sea of compassion and mercy, and great depth of pardon
and pity, turn to us, O my Lord, and pity and have mercy upon us, as is
your custom at all times, O Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
forever. Amen.

Anthems

Come, let us bow down and worship him.
We worship, O Lord, your holy epiphany, which gladdened us, for by it
you wonderfully enlightened all peoples who sat in darkness and in the
shadows of death. O Friend of men, glory be to you.

We worship, O Lord, your holy epiphany . . . . . .

For his loving-kindness is strong toward us.
Come, let us give thanks to Christ, who freed us from error by his
appearance, reconciled us with his Father through the offering of his
body, and made peace for us with those above who were angry because
of our wickedness. To him, with his Sender, be glory.

For the honor of your name.

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We give thanks to you, our Creator, for you have had mercy upon all
creation; you have tolerated the good and the evil in your compassion,
and have abundantly given assistance to men. O Great in Mercy, glory
be to you.

Of Prayer:

Open to me the gates of righteousness.
Open to us, O our Lord, the great treasury of your mercy, that we may
receive mercy and deliverance for our poor race. Heal the pains of our
sins with the great medicine of your compassion, for our race is weak.
May we find favor through your mercies.

I will enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
At the door of your mercies we knock, O good and kind Lord. Open to
us and answer our requests. As you promised in your Gospel, Whoever
asks shall receive, and whoever knocks it will be opened to him. O Great
in Mercies, be gracious unto us.

Of Mary:

The world and all its inhabitants.
The height and the depth and all that is in them sing glory on the
Memorial of Mary the blessed Mother, a fountain flowing with helps for
those who seek relief in her name and take refuge in her prayer, crying
out together, Blessed is your Memorial.

Of Our Father:

I will strengthen him and honor him.
It is right for all of us to honor our illustrious and holy father, whose
death became a help. In the church, the betrothed of Christ, lo, his
splendid body remains. Let us beseech him to send forth help to all who
are distressed and seek refuge in him.

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Of the Departed:

For the honor of your name.
Refresh at your bridal feast, O our Lord, the departed who have clothed
themselves with you, and have had communion in your Body and Blood
in this church on earth. Give them fellowship in your Kingdom in life
and continual blessings, for you are the hope of those in the grave.

His rays enlightened the world.
The Spirit, the Paraclete, shone forth on creation, and thereby all the
world was filled with grace. Lo, sinners among men were forgiven
through the pardon which is from Baptism, the needy received a good
hope, the simple were filled with great wisdom, the sick were healed,
and the dead received the hope of life. Therefore with the Father and
with the Son we worship you, O Holy Spirit without hesitation,
beseeching you to forgive all our souls.

Come, O nations and peoples, let us confess and worship Christ the
King, who chose from fishermen Apostles and teachers of life to men.
The Spirit of Holiness, the Paraclete, he sent from Heaven to them in his
love, and he made them preachers of the truth of his holy Mysteries, that
they might turn from error the nations which sat in darkness.

We are your people and the sheep of your pasture.
At the morning hour we bow down and worship before you, O Lord
God, giving thanks for your loving-kindness, for you, in your
compassion, cause your sun to rise upon the good and the evil, and you
care for all of us in your long-suffering.

For the countenance of your face, O God of Jacob.
At morning angels and men worship in their ranks, rejoicing in you, O
Lord of all, for in your compassion you lead both spiritual and bodily
beings, instructing us all by the plain expression of your doctrine.

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Of Prayer:

Let the mountains bring peace to your people.
O Christ, the Peace of the world, who came for our salvation, let peace
and tranquillity increase for your people. Sow unity among the children
of the Church, that with the watchers they may sing glory to your name.
Raise up priests and reconcile kings, and bring wars to an end from the
ends of the earth. Peserve the company of your worshippers who call
upon you at every hour. Heal the sick in your loving-kindness, restore
the infirm in your compassion, and stretch out the hand of assistance to
all who are afflicted. O our Lord, have pity upon us.

Grant them their requests.
Our Savior gave the promise of life to the friends of his love. He
enriched them with his knowledge and filled them with the wisdom of
his might. He taught them to pray at all times, Our Father in Heaven,
may your name be hallowed, may your Kingdom come to us, may your
will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us our necessary bread
today; and do not lead us to the test, but deliver us from the Evil One.
For the Kingdom is yours, and the power and the glory.

The Lord is faithful in his words.
O Mary, who bore the Medicine of Life to the children of Adam, we will
take refuge in your petition, and in the confidence of the prayers of St.
John may we defeat the Evil One and his host. And with the prayer of
the Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Fathers, and Teachers, and with the
prayer of our holy father and the Confessors, and of St. George, and
through the great power of the Cross and the hallowing of holy Church,
let us supplicate Christ to provide mercies and compassion for our souls.

There they greatly feared.
In awe and gladness all the companies of the heavenly and earthly stand
about as the Sacrifice for the life of the world is consecrated, their wings
spread before their eyes that they may not observe the incomprehensible
fearful sight; and with their voices they cry out, their tongues calling and

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saying, Holy, holy, you are holy, O Lord, for this fearful gift you have
given us, that by it we may be pardoned of our debts. Grant us, O my
Lord, in your compassion, and make us worthy through your grace, to
give thanks to you for it, and to sing glory to you.

The people he has chosen for himself as an inheritance.
Let us all who have been summoned to take delight in the glorious and
divine Mysteries confess and worship in awe and love the Lord of all;
and with desire and faith let us receive the Body of Christ the Son, who
was sacrificed for our salvation, pardoned our debts, and reconciled us to
his Father through the outpouring of his Blood. Lo, he is celebrated upon
the Altar and at the right hand of the Father who sent him; and while he
is one he is not divided, above and in the Church he is daily sacrificed
for our debts, though he does not suffer. Come, let us draw near with
circumspection to the Sacrifice of his all sanctifying Body, and let us all
cry out to him as one and say, Glory be to you.

The Lord preserves the faithful.
Let us all who believe come, with joy of spirit, to confess without
doubting that, lo, we see upon the holy Altar the Lamb of God who is
mystically sacrificed every day, and though he lives for ever, he is
divided among everyone, though not increasing or decreasing.
Therefore, in fear and trembling let us all cry, Holy, holy, you are holy,
O Lord, for Heaven and earth are filled with your praises.

Let us confess, worship, and glorify Jesus, the Physician of our souls,
who healed the diseases of our nature with the medicines of his words.
He walked about on earth for our salvation, and after he was taken up he
sent the Spirit to the twelve physicians whom his will had raised up in
creation, whose head was the son of Jona, whose youngest was the son
of Zebedee. Glorious, O my Lord, are the healers whom your will
established in creation. Praise be to you!

Of Prayer:

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All of them await you.
Your servants wait for life and continual benefits, O our Savior, and they
take refuge in the faith, sheltering themselves beneath the wings of the
Cross. Keep by your compassion the company of your worshippers, and
fulfill for them your declared promises, for you said to your friends in
your Gospel, Everyone who believes in me will inherit the Kingdom and
eternal life. Make us worthy, O my Lord, that with your saints we may
sing to you in the bride-chamber of your Kingdom. Glory be to you!

For your mercies are better than life.
In your mercies, which are better than life, have pity upon your servants,
O Compassionate One, who in you seek refuge, crying to you to come to
their assistance in your love. Look from Heaven and see our oppression.
Bow down your ear and receive our supplication. Stretch out your hand
of help and bestow healing upon your servants who have greatly sinned
against you. Chastise us as a father, mercifully and with kindness, and
not as one who is our fellow transgressor, but have pity upon us.

For you, O Lord, are good.
O Good One who created us in your loving-kindness and called us your
image and likeness, in your grace pardon our debts and cleanse our spots
with your hyssop. Remove from us the attacks of the Deceitful One, and
grant us to fulfill the will of your Lordship. Sanctify our souls with your
truth, that we may hallow your name at every hour, and that, on the day
of your coming, we may enter your bridal chamber with the just who
have been pleasing before you, and who have believed in and
acknowledged your Lordship. Glory be to you!

Of Mary:

God has sent his loving-kindness and truth.
Gabriel was sent from among the orders of angels, and he descended and
proclaimed to the daughter of mortals the good tidings, gladdening all
the world. He gave her the report of peace and tranquility, and told her

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of the wonderful conception. He greeted the Virgin, and she received the
marvelous conception: Peace to you; you are blessed, O Mother without
marriage, for from you shall spring forth Christ the King, through whom
the height and the depth and all that is in them shall be renewed. Glory
be to him!

Of Our Father:

Beseech the Lord and bow down before him.
May your prayer be for us, O our father, a high rampart and a place of
refuge. May your prayer be hidden armor. May your prayer be an
anchor. May your prayer be a sword in our hands. May your prayer be a
helmet for our heads. May your prayer be a shield. May your prayer be a
guardian. May your prayer be for us the incense of reconciliation. May
your prayer be an advocate with Christ the King, our Savior.

Of the Departed:

Then the earth shook, and the mountains in the midst of the waters
trembled,
On the great day of your coming, when you are revealed, O our Lord, to
those on earth, and all those who have rejected the glory of your
Godhead are shaken and tremble, when in a moment they are gathered
together to receive, each one, according to what has been done by him,
and in marvelous wisdom they separate the good to the Kingdom and the
wicked to eternal fire, make us worthy, O my Lord, to behold your
glory.

High in all the earth.
Your Altar, O Lord of Hosts, you have exalted in glory, and those who
are true in your Church you have crowned with honor. May tranquillity
and extended peace multiply to your people, O Lord.


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To you all creatures bow down, and you companies of angels praise, and
from you we ask forgiveness of debts, for you brought us into this world
freely, that in unity all your servants might confess you, O Lord.

By your light we see light.
You send light to utterly all the world at the signal of your will, and your
command makes the darkness of night to depart, O Lord. Do not turn
away from the people who confess you, O my Lord, but save us and
have mercy upon us.

They are enabled with strength and keep his commandments.
Hosts of angels bow down and worship and glorify the one Trinity,
offering up continual praise to the worshipful nature, all of them singing
praise with holy voices to the one hidden power of the Divine Substance.

You are extolled without ceasing by holy cherubim and spiritual
seraphim, O King of all ages, who in your mercy and in the multitude of
your loving kindness redeemed the whole race of men.

Your servants will give thanks to you, O Lord.
All nations confess you and all creatures bow down to you, O Son of the
King who suffered on the Cross, who by your death slew death, giving
victory to the house of Adam. Glorified by all mouths is Christ the King,
our Savior.

For your loving-kindness, O God.
There is for all sinners one who pardons and saves, for you are merciful;
and he is able to forgive debts and to make the offenses of men to pass
away who come to him in penitence.

Create in me a pure heart, O God.
Grant us, O Christ, at all times to glorify you, and make us worthy at
every hour to keep your commandments; and with all your saints in
Heaven we will confess and worship you, O our Savior.

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You, O Lord, know.
More than all you know, O Lord, what helps us. In your loving-kindness
you provide for our life. May your mercies be stirred up for our debts,
and may your compassion be our healer, and your great love our teacher.
To you be glory, and upon us may there be your mercies.

Of Mary:

O Mary, holy Virgin, Mother of Jesus our Savior, supplicate and
beseech mercies for sinners that they may not perish, for they seek
refuge in your prayers. May your prayer be a bulwark for us in this
world and in that which is to come.

Of Our Father:

Let there be an eternal memorial for the righteous.
Let us all diligently honor the day of the Memorial of our splendid and
holy father, who was a vessel full of mercies fit for the service of his
Lord, who daily let his lamp shine. May his prayer be a bulwark for us.

Of the Departed:

He worked a good sign for me.
On the great day of your coming, O Jesus, the Hope of our nature, when
you are prepared to judge all, let your mercies be stirred up for our
debts. In your loving-kindness pardon our sins, and make us worthy to
take delight with you in the great glory of your Kingdom.

The daughter of the king stood in glory.
In great and ineffable glory the Church beheld Christ who suffered for
her, and when she knew that because of her he suffered on the Cross,
and also for her sake he was scoffed at on Golgotha,
She hastened to bow down and worship him, and rose up to embrace and
kiss him. She forgot the love of her parents and was inflamed with the

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love of Jesus. She raised up her voice and said in the sight of angels and
men, Neither fire nor sword, neither things present nor things to come,
neither rulers nor authorities nor any other creature there may be,
Will be able to separate me from the love of Jesus, for I have
acknowledged in Cross. To him be glory!

Make your right hand, O Lord to rest upon me.
Make the right hand of your mercies, O our Lord Jesus, to rest and
remain upon your people and the sheep of your pasture. O Lord, your
mercies are forever upon your worshippers, for you promised to your
Twelve, Lo, I am with you to the end of days. Be with us as with your
Apostles with the help of your grace; deliver us from temptations, and
grant us peaceful times,
That we may confess, worship, and glorify your great and holy name at
every hour.

At the morning hour let us confess and worship the Good One who came
in his love and clothed himself with our nature, saving it from death and
lifting up his people to Heaven. Lo, companies of angels worship him.

At the morning hour Daniel ascended from the pit, and the beasts were
not given authority over his body. Do not allow the Evil One to rule over
the company of your worshippers, redeemed by your Blood and saved
by your Cross.

The name of his sanctuary is forever and ever.
At the morning hour heavenly companies celebrate the one Divine
Being, more worshipful than all, and we earthly beings glorify your
Godhead. Pardon for us our debts, O Friend of men.

In the morning I will be prepared and will see you.

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In the morning Gabriel the Archangel bears the living standard of Jesus
our Savior, and with the sound of the horn and the blowing of the
trumpet he comes with praise into the presence of the Son of our race.

Let us confess and worship him who hung up the heaven by his word
and holds the earth by the will of his good pleasure, the glory of whose
greatness a thousand thousands and ten thousands of companies on high
are not able to recite.

Remember your congregation, which you purchased from of old.
Keep your holy Church from harm, O Lord Christ, who came for our
salvation, and make your worshippers worthy, that with fear and
trembling they may lift up praise to your Godhead.

The Lord is faithful in his words.
O Christ, who gave the promise, All who call I will answer, and whoso
knocks at the door I will open to him, do not remove your mercies and
your loving-kindness from your worshippers, for in you they seek refuge
that they may receive help.

Always and at every hour.
Grant us, O our Life-giver, that which you know helps us, for we do not
know what to ask. One thing we seek, that your will may be fulfilled in
us, and that your mercies may be an advocate for us all.

By day and by night.
May the prayer of Mary your Mother be for us, O our Lord, a mighty
bulwark and a deliverer from harm and adversities in this world, and in
that which is to come may it be our protector in the Judgment.

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
You loved chastity all the days of your life, and you became Christs
spotless chosen one. Because of your ways, lo, your soul dwells in the
tabernacle of the saints with the angels.

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O Lord, hear my voice in the morning.
Every morning of every day let us worship Jesus, who raised upon our
fallen state and delivered our life.

And in the morning I will be prepared to appear before you.
Every morning of every day the Church, the adorned Bride, delights in
you, for you have made perfect her beauty.

In the presence of the whole people.
The Samaritan woman at the well proclaimed and said, The Christ, who
forgives debts, dwells with us.

Proclaim his salvation from day to day.
The Samaritan woman at the well left her water pitcher and went to
proclaim the glad tidings of our Lord among the peoples.

Of Prayer:

O El, El, remain my helper.
O El, O God, attend to our petition which you have heard, and answer
the request of our soul with which you are acquainted.

O El, O God, who caused your presence to dwell upon Mount Sinai,
make the compassion of your kindness to rest upon our souls.

The earth was filled with her.
O Mary, who bore the Medicine of Life to the children of Adam,
through your petition may we find mercies on the day of resurrection.

Seek the Lord and bow down before him.
O our splendid and holy father, the friend of the Son, seek from your
Lord compassion and mercies for our souls.

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Of the Departed:

The small with the great.
Raise up and quicken by your grace, O our Lord Jesus, those who have
laid down in your hope and who have confessed your name.

You are righteous, O Lord, and very upright are your judgments.
O Judge with whose justice mercies are mingled, justify me that I may
see your compassion on the day of your coming.

Answer your worshippers, O Christ, and send to us from your treasury
compassion, mercies, salvation, and the forgiveness of debts; and as you
answered Daniel in the lions den, and the company of Ananias in the
fiery furnace, deliver us as well, O our Lord, from kings, rulers, evil
men, and oppressive demons, who in the likeness of beasts threaten to
destroy us. By your mighty power pacify their turbulence and deliver us
from their wickedness. Bring their dominion to an end and gladden us
with your deliverance, O glorious King.

O Christ, do not turn away from us or depart from your worshippers, for
we have sought refuge in you, O my Lord. Lead us in your way of life so
that we may all sing praise to you, O Lord God.

Prayer

You, O worshipful and glorious One, grand and adorable, higher than all
in your Divine Essence, great King of Glory, everlasting Being, we
confess, worship, and glorify at all seasons and times, O Lord of all,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

The Canon

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Psalm 93

The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;
The Lord is robed, he is girded with strength.

We worship your Divine Essence, which is without beginning. O
glorious on high, keep your Church and deliver her.
The world is established that it may not be moved;
Your throne is established from of old;
You are from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
The floods have lifted up their voice,
The floods are lifted up in purity.
From the sound of many waters,
The tempests of the sea are mighty.
The Lord on high is glorious!
Your testimonies are very sure;
Holiness befits your house,
O Lord, for the length of days.

Psalm 95

O come, let us glorify the Lord;
Let us sing to our God, the savior!

Our Lord in his compassion has delivered us from error, and from debts,
and from death. Let us worship him and glorify him.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving;
Let us sing praise to him with hymns!
For the Lord is a great God,
A King greater than all gods.
In his hands are the foundations of the earth
and the height of the mountains.

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The sea is his, and he made it;
And his hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us bow down and worship him,
Let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
And we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Our Lord in his compassion has delivered us from error, and from debts,
and from death. Let us worship him and glorify him.
O you who said in your Gospel to your disciples,
Knock and I will open, open the door to our prayer.
In your mercies, do not shut the door full of help at which your
worshippers knock.

The Teshbokhta

We will confess and worship you, O Christ our Savior, for the door is
open to all who are repentant before you.
O Christ, you who do not turn away from all who call upon you, in your
mercies do not reject the petition of your worshippers.

The Litany
(Composed by Mar Sabrisho, bishop of Kashkar)

O King, concealed within the light of your eternal nature and shining
forth in the operations of your wisdom, worshiped and glorified by
corporeal and incorporeal beings, we beseech you,

Our Lord, have mercy upon us. (And so after each clause.)
O Hidden One, who in the hiddenness of your Divine Essence and the
concealment of your Godhead are honored and worshiped. . . . . .

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O Worshipful One, you who have no need for the adoration of your
worshippers, but require their prayers that you may have mercy upon
them . . . . . .

O Preeminent One, higher than any exalted position of those who extol
him, you who lift up our low estate through your worship . . . . . .

O Self-existent One, you who are, in your Divine Essence, above the
comprehension of creatures, and in the truth of their faith are known and
worshipped . . . . . .

O Eternal One, you who with discernment receive the mystical adoration
of worshippers, who in purity are pleasing to you . . . . . .

O Creator, you who are not limited by any, and are with all, and yourself
are in all and confessed by all, and by all are extolled and worshipped . .
. . . .

O Lord, whom the holy prophets pleased with their confessions, to
whom they were subject in their adorations, and to whose worship they
turned the peoples from the worship of idols . . . . . .

O Exalted One, you who perfected the Apostles with tongues of fire and
they spoke in every language and turned the nations to your worship . . .
. . .

O Father, from whom all fatherhood in Heaven and on earth is named,
preserve and establish our holy fathers, Mar Denkha IV, Catholicos-
Patriarch, and Mar Narsai, Metropolitan-Bishop, that by them we may
learn your true doctrine and trustworthy worship.

O God, the Merciful One, you who are in Heaven, save, O my Lord,
deliver, assist, uphold, and console your people, whom you have chosen
for the worship of your Lordship. Pour out upon your adorers an
abundance of your kindnesses. Make them worthy to become true

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worshippers according to your will, and to offer sacrifices of praise to
your Lordship, and have mercy upon us.

And they offer the prayer of Mar Elia the Catholicos:

We petition you, who are lifted up and glorious; we petition you, who
are lifted up and glorious, who upon the throne, crowned with mystical
light, sit in splendor in a befitting exalted state, and in the brightness of
your light the orders of seraphim, thrones, and dominions take delight,
the glory of whose countenance the ranks of archangels and bands of
angels guard; you whose Divine Essence is incomprehensible to rational
beings, mortal and immortal alike, who are higher and more exalted
above the land encompassing bodily creatures, far removed and distant
from the limits of times, but who, remaining in your Divine Essence
eternally, in the faculty of your Divine Essence, appear to and gladden
the intellect and reason of both spiritual and corporal rational beings,
admitting us to membership in your household, we who in various and
sundry ways present the physical offerings commanded us by your
Lordshipbodily prayers and bodily adorations: receive our bodily
adorations, symbolizing our spiritual adorations, in the goodness of your
love towards humanity, and be reconciled to us in the mercies of your
grace, that we may offer up to you supplications, adorations, and
intercessions, with the mind and with the tongue, all the days of our life,
O Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Its Companion:

We cry out to you, O God, the eternal Self-existent, who are far removed
from a resemblance to ponderous bodily creatures, who according to the
weakness of our earthly nature and Adamic race composed and adapted
laws suitable to the same in all generations of the world, so that in your
love and affection you might heal us divinely, requiring various sorts of

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offerings and verbal praises entwined with confessions, which are the
fruit of our faith in you, and the rest of our thoughts and bodily
adorations, which in the nature of mortality are joined, indicating our
subjection, and we petition and supplicate, with heartfelt pleadings and
worship joined with kneeling and the prostration of our bodies before the
throne of your glorious majesty, that you may make your worshippers
worthy, who offer adorations of the hour and physical genuflections, to
produce spiritual and impalpable adorations, and when the things of this
life receive completion, may they be deemed worthy to be joined with
the companies of angels, and sound aloud your glory with the mind, and
compose adorations with the intellect, O Lord of all, Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

The Zumara

The Lord reigns and is clothed with majesty.
The Lord is clothed with strength and waxes mighty. (2)

The Gospel

John 4:4-30

For the fountain of life is with you.
The Lord of springs and seas and rivers asked the Samaritan woman for
water. Through water he captured her, brought her in, and enclosed her
in his fold, and she came out singing his praise. Glory to you, O our
Lord. Glory to you, O Son of God. Blessed is he who returns the lost.

When our Lord was pleased to reveal his power, and to make known his
glory to the people and the peoples alike, that they might became his

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heirs, he arose and went to the city of the Samaritans, and from the
fatigue of the journey and thirst he drew near the spring.
A woman came to draw water and to leave. The Lord of the seas and
rivers said to her, Give me to drink. She said to him, you are a Jew, and
you are asking water to drink from me? For Jews never have anything to
do with us Samaritans. He replied to her, If you knew the gift of the
living God, and who this is who says to you, Give me to drink, you
would ask him, And he would give you living water instead of this, and
you would never again thirst. Whoever drinks from this water will have
to drink again, And whoever drinks from the water that I will give him,
in him living water shall spring forth forever and ever.

She said to him, Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you have
said, In Jerusalem. Jesus answered, Believe me that neither on this
mountain nor in Jerusalem shall they worship the Father.] God is spirit,
and he ought to be glorified in spirit. The Father desires such as these:
worshippers in spirit and in truth. Call your husband to come here. She
said to him, I have no husband at all. You have well said, for you do not
have one husband, but you have had five, And this one who is now with
you is not in truth your husband. I see that you are a prophet, and are one
who knows hidden things. Are you the expected Messiah? He said to
her, I, who am speaking to you, am he. Then she left her pitcher and
went away. She said, Come, see a man who told me everything that I
have done. Is this the Messiah, the expectation of the nations, revealing
mysteries?
And men went out of the city, and many believed and acknowledged
him; and they said, This is truly the Messiah, the Savior of the world.
Praise be to him!

And a deacon says: Give glory to the living God!

Anthem of the Bema

144

Lo, the hidden mystery of Christ is administered. Companies of angels
hallow the spiritual holy Table.
Let us all, through the loving-kindness of our Savior, draw near to him
in faith. Let us receive the Body and Blood of the Son, Christ, and let us
sing praise, saying, Hallelujah!

Verses:

There was at once from Heaven a sound like a mighty wind.
Let us all, through the loving-kindness of our Savior, draw near . . . . . .


The Paraclete gave them wisdom and perfected them. Glory to his name.
On this day our Lord Jesus brought to completion and perfected the
declaration of his promises. The Spirit gave sound through their tongues,
new sounds which were full of wonder.

The Teshbokhta
(Composed by Yazdin the Great)

May the ears which hear the sound of your praises,
O my Lord, never hear the noise of trouble.
May the eyes which have beheld your great compassion
behold again your blessed hope.
Make the tongues that cry out Holy to speak the truth.
Cause the feet that walk within the churches to walk in that land of light.
May your great love remain with us,

145

and in it may we increasingly render praise.
Open the door to the petitioning of us all,
and let our service enter in before you.

146

GOLD FRIDAY

Hear this, all you peoples.
On Friday Simon and John went up to pray in the holy Temple, as it is
written, and they found a paralytic at the Beautiful Gate. They confessed
and said, We possess no gold or silver. In the name of Jesus rise up and
walk, and give thanks to him who cured you.

Come, see the works of God.
On Friday Simon and John went up to pray . . . . . .

Come, let us all bow down in prayer before the Cross, which is a
treasury of helps, that we may find mercies and the forgiveness of debts
when all the ends of the earth will be lighted by its rays, and, though
none of his enemies desire it, they will worship his Lordship.

The Lections
Isaiah 35:3-end
Acts 3

The Shuraya
The commandments of the Lord are upright and gladden the heart. Let
us honor the Memorial of the Apostles with spiritual songs. Hallelujah,
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Let us
honor the Memorial of the Apostles with spiritual songs. Hallelujah,

147

everlasting, and forever and ever. Amen. Let us honor the Memorial of
the Apostles with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea hallelujah!

The Apostle
1 Corinthians 12:28-13:all

The Zumara

Blessed are those who are spotless in the way, who walk in the law of the
Lord! (2)
Blessed are those who keep his testimony, who seek him with their
whole heart, who do no wrong, but walk in his ways! (3)

The Gospel
Luke 7:1-23


Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your loving-kindness.
I have long been sick, O my Savior, and my infirmity is difficult to heal,
for my debts have multiplied and I have not been penitent. The sickness,
which is prolonged through sins, corrupts the soul as well as the body. O
Word who commanded the paralytic to take up his bed and walk, and
knees which were palsied were strengthened, and the sick gained health,
in his likeness I cry aloud and say, heal, O my Lord, my own spots and
the debts which I have incurred, and have mercy upon me.

Heal me, O Lord, for my bones have been shaken.
I have long been sick, O my Savior, and my infirmity . . . . . .


148

I suffer with grievous sickness, O good and kind Lord. Send your power
from on high and heal my weaknesses and infirmities, for you are the
true Physician, who at every hour heal the afflicted. O heal me in your
mercies and your loving-kindness.

We have all taken refuge in the haven of Christ. We have found
tranquility and extended peace in the Holy Spirit.


Anthem of the Bema

Blessed is he who built holy Church upon the rock of faith, placing in it
Apostles, Prophets, and Teachers possessing knowledge of the truth.
Verses: The paralytic asked for gold from Simon and John, and they
gave him healing through the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

149

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE APOSTLES

By the saving power of his right hand.

O you who are more glorious than all, higher than all, and exalted far
above all, keep your Church, and save her children through your Cross.

The Lections
Joel 2:15-26
Acts 4:5-22

The Shuraya

Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and be strengthened,
Seek his presence always!
Remember the wonderful works that he has done,
His marvels, and the judgments of his mouth,
O offspring of Abraham his servant,
Sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He is the Lord our God.

The Apostle

150

1 Corinthians 5:6-6:11

The Zumara

The Lord is good, and his mercies are over all his servants. Your
servants shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and your righteous ones shall
praise you! (3)
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power,
to make known to the sons of men your might, and the glory of your
kingdom. (3)

The Gospel
Luke 7:31-end


Text: She began to bathe his feet with her tears and her soul was
sad.

I will come to your house with honor and pay you my vows.
The sinful woman entered the house of Simon the Pharisee, and with the
eyes through which she had acquired sins she discovered forgiveness of
debts, O Lord; for she who captivated men through the look of her eyes
bathed your holy feet with her tears. She who arranged her hair for
deception dried your feet with it as with a towel. She who took delight in
her wicked elegance anointed your feet with precious ointment, O our
Savior, and like a vessel which has emptied out its burden, she also cast
away her hateful ways. Glory be to you!

151

The harlot, who previously was as a dwelling-place for all wickedness
and then became the recipient of conversion, who had trafficked in all
debts, turned and purchased forgiveness for her soul. She who with the
glance of her licentious eyes gathered to herself all that is destructive,
from the same flowed mournful tears, and she washed your holy feet.
She who with ointment and pleasures trapped men, binding them with
the fetters of wickedness at every hour, anointed with precious ointment
your body, O my Lord, which you took to yourself for our salvation.
And with her we cry out to you, for you know all our sufferings, O Lord
of all, glory be to you!


Text: The Lord made the earth in his power, and established the
world in his wisdom.

He established the earth on its foundations.
By his signal the Self-existent One, who is before all, made the whole
creation, and in the multitude of his loving-kindness he adapted it to
learn of him through itself. Part of it he made visible, and another part
invisible, and he bound it all up in man, so that it might acknowledge
that one is its Creator, who in his love makes known concerning himself.

He who is from of old.
By his signal the Self-existent One, who is before all, made . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
Lo, the hidden mystery of Christ is administered. Companies of angels
hallow the spiritual holy Table.

152

Let us all, through the loving-kindness of our Savior, draw near to him
in faith. Let us receive the Body and Blood of the Son, Christ, and let us
sing praise, saying, Hallelujah!

Verses:

There was at once from Heaven a sound like a mighty wind.
Let us all, through the loving-kindness of our Savior, draw near . . . . . .

153

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE APOSTLES

He whose hands are clean and whose heart is approved.
At the hour the priest enters the Sanctuary bands of angels rise above
him, and they look upon the priest breaking and administering the Body
of Christ for the pardon of debts.

He does not swear by himself falsely, nor swear with deceit.
At the hour the priest enters the Sanctuary bands of angels . . . . . .

May the Cross, which became for us a cause of good things, and by
which our mortal race was freed, be for us, O my Lord, a mighty
bulwark, and by it may we conquer the Evil One and all his wiles.

The Lections
Deuteronomy 1:3-17
Isaiah 1:1-9
The Shuraya

If the Lord had not been my help,
My soul would soon have dwelt in misery.
I said, "My my feet slip,"
And your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.

The Apostle

1 Corinthians 7:1-7

The Zumara

154

Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and your righteous ones
with glory. For your servant David's sake do not turn away the face of
your anointed one. (2)
Her priests he will clothe with salvation, and her righteous ones with
glory. There he will make a horn to sprout for David, and will light a
lamp for his anointed. (3)

The Gospel
Luke 10:23-end


Text: Cherish your brothers, and love one another, for love covers a
multitude of sins.

He teaches the meek his way.
You taught us love and mercy through your instruction, O our Savior,
for you reproved the merciless through the parable which you told them.
A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and thieves fell
upon him, stripped him, beat him, wounded him, and left him laying
exhausted. A certain priest happened by, as well as a Levite according
to the Law, but they had no mercy for his wounds, being deprived of
mercies. But a certain Samaritan saw him and bandaged his wounds
with wine and oil, two types of the overflowing mercies of your grace.
O Christ, the Physician who heals all our sicknesses, heal our faults in
your compassion, and have mercy upon us.

Show me your ways, O Lord.
You taught us love and mercy through your instruction . . . . . .


155

I approach you, soul and body, O Creator of the soul and Fashioner of
the body. Heal both of them of their sickness, O my Lord, for you are
the Lord of both, and have mercy upon me.


Text: Come, let us go and bow down before the Lord.

Come, let us all seek refuge in prayer, which is the key to the heavenly
treasure, and as the notes of the hymns are sweet, so may our ways be
before him, that with words and deeds we may please the Lord.

Come, children, listen to me, both small and great.
Come, let us all seek refuge in prayer . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
Come, let us all draw near to the Body and Blood of Christ in fear and
trembling, and in love let us receive him and sing praise. For the same
was shown to Isaiah the Prophet mystically. A spiritual one gave him a
live coal and his debts were pardoned.
Let us all hasten to him and worship his Godhead with the companies on
high, saying, You are holy, you are holy, you are holy, O hidden Being.
Hallelujah!

Verses: This is the hope for which the Prophets awaited in mysteries,
Jesus our King, who arose from the house of David.
Let us all hasten to him and worship his Godhead . . . . . .
This is he whom the Prophet saw sitting upon the throne, who is now at
the right hand and beseeches on our behalf.
Let us all hasten to him and worship his Godhead . . . . . .

156

FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE APOSTLES

They shall glorify your name for ever.
To you be glory, who through your death granted to us your Body and
Blood, and provided for us hope and salvation through your coming to
our race.

They shall glorify you for ever.
To you be glory, who through your death granted to us your Body and
Blood, and provided for us hope and salvation through your coming to
our race.

O you who are more glorious than all, higher than all, and exalted far
above all, keep your Church, and save her children through your Cross.

The Lections
Dt. 1: 16-34
Isaiah 1:10-20

The Shuraya

In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
And all the night with a brightness of light.
He opened the rock in the wilderness,
And gave them drink as from the great deep.
He made streams come out of the rock,
And the waters flowed like rivers.

The Apostle

157

1 Corinthians 9:13-end

The Zumara

The Apostles, the friends of Christ and preachers of Jesus our Savior,
bore the Cross in their hands in the likeness of a plow-share. (4)
And they cleared the earth, which was perishing through the error of
idols, and cultivated it with the faith, sowing in it the word of life. Let us
all honor them. (5)
The Gospel
Luke 6:12-46


Text: Blessed is the man in whom he takes delight.

Blessed is he with whom you are pleased.
Blessed is he who takes delight in the heavenly Kingdomdesirable,
glorious, and radiant, and there is nothing like it in creation.
Alas for him who has not labored to take delight in the habitation where
all your saints have accepted and received the recompense for which
they labored and wearied themselves here.
I accept the recompense which is due for my bitterness and proper for
the sins which I have committed.
O my God, let your mercies intercede for my debts. Deliver my life from
destruction and have mercy upon me.

Blessed is he who judges his own soul, who judges himself and does not
judge others; who washes his hands in purity and does not do evil. He
enters the holy Temple and worships Christ with boldness.

158


Text: Who does not fear you, O King of the ages. His Kingdom is an
everlasting Kingdom, and his dominion is unto all generations.

I will extol you, O my Lord the King.
O Christ the King, you who delivered holy Church from error by your
precious Blood, grant us in your compassion, O my Lord, that at all
times we may be made worthy to fulfill your will, and with a pure heart
we may circumspectly offer the Oblation to your Godhead; and with
companies of angels we will lift up praise to you in awe, saying, Holy,
holy, you are holy, O Lord God our Savior.

O Christ the King, you who delivered holy Church . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

With thousands of cherubim and ten thousands of seraphim come, let us
make melody together, singing, You are holy, you are holy, you are
holy, O holy nature, for the holy gift which you have given us. Our
mouth is not sufficient to praise you.
Grant us, O my Lord, with the angels to cry to you and say, Hallelujah,
hallelujah!

Verses: The saints journeyed in the company of Paul, the elect vessel,
and they arrived at the land in which they sing praise spiritually.
Grant us, O my Lord, with the angels to cry to you and say, Hallelujah,
hallelujah!

159

FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE APOSTLES
I will bless the Lord at all times.
Blessed is he who makes us worthy to hallow his name with the
companies on high.

At all times his praises will be in my mouth.
Blessed is he who makes us worthy to hallow his name with the
companies on high.


The Lections
Deuteronomy 1:33-2:1
Isaiah 1:21-end
The Shuraya

They feared their idols, which became a snare to them.
They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons;
They poured out innocent blood,
The blood of their sons and daughters.

The Apostle

The Zumara
For ever you are Lord, and your word stands in the heavens, and your
faithfulness unto all generations. You have established the earth and
made it to stand. (3)

160

If your law had not been my meditation, I should have perished in my
affliction. I will never forget your commandments; for by them is my life.
(2)

The Gospel
Luke 12:16-34


Text: Do not trust in riches, for there is no hope in them.

Do not fear when a man grows rich.
The rich man lay down in a sea of wealth among the billows and waves
of harvests, and he did not know what to do. He began to consider
strategies and schemes: I will pull down my barns and enlarge them, and
I will store there all the riches I have gathered in. I will eat, drink, take
my ease, and be merry. But suddenly the angel of death took him away,
and he had no rest as he had contemplated. Have pity on us, O my Lord,
for you are our riches. O Lord of all, glory be to you!

Our Lord said in a parable to his disciples that a certain man was rich,
for he had acquired many crops and wealth, and he contemplated
building and enlarging his barns.
He said to his soul, You have had good things for a very long time. I will
eat and drink and be merry, and I will fully enjoy myself henceforth and
forever. But God said to him, This night your life will come to an end,
and all these preparations, who will be their heir? And suddenly the
angel of death took him away, and he had no rest as he had thought.
Have pity on us, O our Lord, in your mercies, for you are our true riches,
and be gracious unto us.

161


Text: Do not judge with respect of person, and do not let inquity
issue from your mouth.

O wise stewards and leaders of the Church, administer the riches of
grace with which you have been entrusted. Administer equally without
respect of persons. Administer justice and pursue equity. Be like
servants who await their master, who with caution observe his
commands.

Administer justice to the orphans and the afflicted.
O wise stewards and leaders of the Church . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

Those who were celebrated fixed their eyes on the land of light, and they
entered and observed the ineffable delight which Christ has prepared for
the friends of his love who have undergone and endured every torment
and every affliction.

Verses:

Through temporal sufferings the Saints acquired the Kingdom on high,
and they did not consider anything in creation its equal. Let us, my
brethren, imitate the sufferings which they endured that we may enter
with them the indestructible Kingdom.

162

SIXTH SUNDAY OF THE APOSTLES

Blessed is the Son of the Good One, who through his sacrifice delivered
our race.

our race.

our race.

The Lections
Deuteronomy 4:1-9
Isaiah 2:1-21
The Shuraya

Seek the Lord and be strengthened,
Seek his presence at all times!
Remember the wonders that he has done,
His marvels, and the judgment of his mouth,
O offspring of Abraham his servant,
Sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He is the Lord our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.

The Apostle
The Zumara

163

Your hands have made and fashioned me; teach me your law, that those
who fear you may see and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.
(2)
I have known, O Lord, that your judgments are righteous, and that your
faithfulness has afflicted me. Let loving-kindness be for my consolation,
as you have said to your servant. (2)

The Gospel
Luke 12:57-13:17


Text: Be patient with me and I will repay you.

Wait for me, O God.
Be patient with me, I beseech you, O Lord of all, as with the fig tree
without fruit you were persuaded to pardon and forgive it. Let not my
enemy, deprived of mercies, prove me fruitless, O my Lord, but grant
me repentance, I implore, O Lover of men. Pardon my guilt and have
mercy upon me.

Before the Lord of all suddenly comes in his anger, O my soul, and
astonishes you, and as with the fig tree which bore no fruit, in his wrath
he commands that you be cut down, cleanse yourself through
repentance, and cleanse your spots with groanings, and bear fruit worthy
of repentance. Since the tree, when it is uprooted, cannot conceive and
bear fruit, I therefore implore you, O my Lord, be patient with me also at
this hour, and have mercy upon me.


164

Text: Holy brothers and faithful in Jesus Christ, let brotherly love
remain in you.

Hear this, all you peoples, and all you, the children of the Most High.
O brothers who are in Christ through Baptism and sharers in the mystery
of death and entombment, stay away from unbelievers and depart from
pagans, that you may be participants and heirs in the Kingdom.

May the Lord increase your number.
O brothers who are in Christ through Baptism . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

Receive in purity, O mortals, the holy and precious Sacrament of the
Body and Blood of Christ, the hope and life of creatures, that by it you
may be absolved of your debts and be made heirs of new life; for lo,
watchers in fear stand before it and tremble to look upon the intensity of
its fire, and to you he gives it in the multitude of his mercies. Take in
purity, O mortals, and give thanks to him for his gift, for which creatures
are not sufficient. Let us then be adorned with excellency of new life,
which is appropriate for the pure and the lover of the pure.
Come, let us give thanks to the Son of the King, who gives us fellowship
in the delight of his Mysteries, and let us say, Hallelujah!

Verses:
Sing praise to the Lord, O righteous ones; praise is comely for the
upright. Give thanks to him with the harp.
Come, let us give thanks to the Son of the King, who gives us fellowship
in the delight of his Mysteries, and let us say, Hallelujah!

165

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF THE APOSTLES
(Memorial of Mar Ezekiel of Daqoq)

In the presence of all the people.
O Holy One, you who are pleased with the saints, pardon, O my Lord,
the offenses and sins of your servants.

O Holy One, you who are pleased with the saints, pardon, O my Lord,
the offenses and sins of your servants.

One is the power of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
which is glorified in Heaven and on earth.

The Lections
Deuteronomy 4:10-24

Isaiah 5:8-25
The Shuraya

He raised his hand against them, to destroy them among the nations,
And to scatter their seed among the peoples.
For they attached themselves to the idols of Peor,
And ate the sacrifices of the dead;
They provoked the Lord to anger with their idols,
And he hardened a plague suddenly against them.
Phinehas stood up and prayed, and the plague was suspended.

The Apostle

166


The Zumara

With my whole heart I cried out to you; answer me, O Lord! I will keep
your commandments. I cried to you; save me, I will observe your
testimony. (2)
My eyes go before the morning watch, that I may meditate upon your
word. Hear my voice according to your mercies, O Lord: in your
judgments preserve my life. My wicked persecutors have drawn near;
they are far from thy law. (3)
The Gospel
Luke 13:22-end

Text: Answer the prayer and petition of your servant, O Lord my
God.
I have cried unto you, O Lord ; O my God, do not be silent to me.

To you I cried out with groaning. O Lord, you who take delight in
the penitent, open to me the door of mercies, that I may enter in and
worship, and may beseech and plead concerning my debts.

Do not, my Lord, shut the great door of your compassion through which
sinners enter to be pardoned of their debts and to become heirs of good
things. O Christ, the Physician who heals all diseases, assist my
weakness and have mercy upon me.
I have called upon you daily, O Lord.

To you I cried out with groaning. O Lord . . . . . .

167

All sinners cry, Our Lord, our Lord, open to us that we may enter; but
the glorious Bridegroom answers them, I do not know who you are. Be
watchful, my brothers, and stand and pray while there is opportunity for
regret and tears for persuasion.

Text: He made offering to God, and all the host of Heaven stood
above him.

He whose hands are clean and is approved in his heart.

When the priest enters before the holy Altar he stretches out his hands in
purity to Heaven and summons the Spirit who descends from on high
and hallows the Body and Blood of Christ.
He whom the Lord helps, who is spotless in his deeds.

When the priest enters before the holy Altar . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
O heavenly King of Kings, accept from your servants the living and holy
Sacrifice we offer to you; for lo, the rustling of the angels calls to you,
and the companies of cherubim and seraphim with unceasing voices
hallow your honor.
Let us earthlings receive the living provision, singing praise, lauding,
glorifying, extolling, and saying, Hallelujah!

Verses: The priest stands and in purity calls the Holy Spirit, and he
descends from on high and comes to him in glory.
Let us earthlings receive the living provision, singing praise, lauding,
glorifying, extolling, and saying, Hallelujah!

168

THE CONCLUSION OF THE SEASON OF THE
APOSTLES
AND THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER
WHICH IS CALLED "NUSARDIL"

Which is interpreted "Feast of God"
Also, the Memorial of the Twelve Apostles


Their good tidings went out in all the world.
The holy Apostles went out and proclaimed the truth in the four corners
of the earth, and they brought the nations to the knowledge of the truth
of their faith; and they received teaching, that they might become
reliable witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus our Savior.

And their words to the ends of the earth.
The holy Apostles went out and proclaimed . . . . . .

The Cross of Christ slew sin, which was destroying our nature, and
companies of eye-witnesses marveled at the victory at the head of the
Wood, for the man who was hung on the Cross conquered two mighty
things: Satan and corrupting death.

The Lections
1 Kings 18:30-39
Acts 5:12-32
The Shuraya
The meek shall inherit the earth. Let us honor the Memorial of the
Apostles with spiritual songs. Hallelujah, hallelujah, yea hallelujah!

169

And delight themselves in abundant peace. Let us honor the Memorial of
everlasting, and for ever and ever. Amen. Let us honor the Memorial of

The Apostle
The Zumara

The camp of the angels of the Lord is round about those who fear him,
and delivers them. (2)
The Lord redeems the souls of his servants; none of those who hope in
him will be condemned.

The Gospel
Luke 14:1-14


Text: You must love the strangers.

He teaches the meek his way.
The word of our Lord teaches us to hate the passing world and to
love the coming world through virtuous ways and love toward the
poor.
And when you put on a banquet or supper do not call your relatives and
friends, nor your rich neighbors. But seat at your table the poor, the halt,
the lame, the blind, and the maimed, and blessed are you if they have
nothing to repay you. O Christ, who taught us mercy, have pity on your
Church, and keep her children, and be gracious unto her.

O Lord, teach me your ways.

170

The word of our Lord teaches us to hate . . . . . .

The Apostles built an indestructible building on unshakable rock through
the power which they received from their Lord, uprooting paganism and
building the Church. Well done, O disciples of the truth, who
constructed and enlarged their edifice, adorning and building spiritual
temples within the souls of the faithful.


Text: High and holy is his Tabernacle, within which we have
boldness.

High in all the earth.
Your Altar, O Lord of Hosts, you have exalted in glory, and you have
crowned the true ones in your Church with honor. O Lord, may
tranquility and extended peace be increased for your people.

You have covered it with honor and glory.
Your Altar, O Lord of Hosts, you have exalted . . . . . .

Give thanks and praise, my brothers, to the God of all on the
Memorial of the Apostles and ecumenical fathers, intimates of the
heavenly mysteries.

The three hundred and eighteen approved ones, whom the will of the
Hidden One selected to reveal his truth in the world.

171

They stood mightily in the contest, overcoming and defeating all
heresies.

They cleansed the Church of the vain and impure dogmas of Simon
and Marcion and the vessel of error, Mani.

The King over all gave into their hand the faith in the likeness of
armor.

And with it they struggled with all false religions and brought low
the height of whatsoever was lifted up against the knowledge of the
Lord.

Wicked men and tyrannical demons were shaken by the sound of
their zeal.

They condemned the impiety of the company of Arius and brought
low the nonsense of Apollinaris, the stubborn ones who wandered from
the way.

They drove from within her the sects of Paul [of Samosata] and
alienated the companies of Sabellius.

They gave comfort to the orthodox and put to shame the face of the
heretics by what they did on behalf of the truth.

They bowed down the head of all schismatics, and though they did
not wish to, they agreed to their truth.

172

The mouth is unable to recite the litany of their triumphs, nor does
the inner mind venture to depart from the pathway of their labors.

A fountain of life they opened before us through the teachings
which they offered us.

The illustrious ones were light and salt, enlightening the stubborn,
correcting the perverse, and seasoning the insipid.

They enacted canons which are inviolable and defined orders which
cannot be changed.

By the sword of the Word of God the just one exacted vengeance for
the sufferings which the combatants endured from the impudent of the
company of Arius.

Their voice was comely when they recited the orthodox faith.

The will of the Father was fulfilled by them, the truth of his
Begotten was shown by them, and the power of the Holy Spirit was
revealed by them.

Christ was depicted before their eyes, and they contemplated him at
every hour.

Great is their truth, laborious their struggle, and glorious the delight
to which they were summoned in the Kingdom which does not pass
away.

173

Heaven and earth and all that is in them rejoice and exult on the day
of their Memorial, and in unison they cry out and say.

Glory to the Self-existent, hidden from all, who exalts his friends.

Anthem of the Bema
The heavenly King of Kings calls us to the spiritual gift of the Body and
Blood of Christ, to take delight in his wedding feast, that he may
gladden his guests in the merry feast of his friends. Behold, you who
were strangers from the nations, draw near this absolving Mystery, for it
is an earnest of immortality and a promise of delight without end, for in
his compassion he makes us worthy to reign with him in new life. Then
let us adorn ourselves for the Son who gives us the great gift for which
creatures are insufficient. Come, let us all praise him,
Christ, who makes us worthy of his Mysteries, and let us say,
Hallelujah!
Verses: Praise the Lord, O you righteous,
For praise is comely for the upright,
And praise him with the harp,
Christ, who makes us worthy of his Mysteries, and let us say,
Hallelujah!

Teshbokhta
tyrant death, Son of God who promised us new life in the Kingdom on
high, Remove from us all harm, and make tranquility and mercy to dwell
in our land, That on the day of your appearance we may live before you
and go out to meet you, according to your will. We will confess your
name with hosannas, for your goodness to our race, for your mercies
have been multiplied to our humanity, and your love has shone forth
upon our mortality. You have canceled our debts through your
atonement; glory be to your name for your gift! Blessed is your honor
from within your place, you who forgive debts because of your mercies.

174

SECOND SUNDAY OF SUMMER

Blessed is God who sent his Beloved, who saved our nature.

Let us bless the Lord who made us.
Blessed is God who sent his Beloved, who saved our nature.

Let us lift up glory and confession to the Son, who saved us by his
Cross.

The Lections
Deuteronomy 4:1-40

Isaiah 3:16-4:all

The Shuraya

Thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
The Lord bless you from Zion!
May you see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
May you see your children's children!
Peace be upon Israel!
The Apostle
2 Corinthians 3:4-end
The Zumara
Let your mercies come to me, O Lord, and your salvation which you
promised; I will answer those who taunt me, for I have trusted in your
words. (2)

175

The word of truth shall not depart from my mouth, for I have waited for
your judgments. I will keep your law forever and ever; and I shall walk
at liberty. (2)
The Gospel
Luke 15:4-end


Text: I have sinned against heaven and before you.

O Lord, hear my prayer.
Like the prodigal son let me be reconciled to you, O God, the Father
who has mercy upon his offspring, for the great riches which you gave
me I have squandered dissolutely, for I did not keep the way of your
commandments, and I considered harmful thoughts in the likeness of
swine. I have sinned and transgressed before you, O Lord. Do not, O my
Lord, turn away your face from the voice of my petition, but in your
loving-kindness have mercy upon me.

O God, hear my prayer.
Like the prodigal son let me be reconciled to you . . . . . .

The sins which I have committed through my defects in this world have
made me destitute and brought me to nought like the prodigal son; for I
have squandered all the good things and possessions of my soul. Now
that I have turned back and come to you, I confess, O my Father, that I
have sinned before you. Do not, O my Lord, turn your face from me, but
make me as one of your hirelings, and have mercy upon me.


176

Text: And everyone will receive his reward according to his labor,
for we all are going to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.

Blessed is he whose iniquity is forgiven.
Before your fearful judgment-seat, where all of us are going to stand to
be recompensed there, each one of us in his own body, in the fearful
searching of your justice, according to what he has done, whether good
or evil, have pity upon those have receive your Body and Blood, O Lord.

There is no speech or words.
Before your fearful judgment-seat, where all of us . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
Behold, the Body of Christ and his precious Blood are administered for
the pardon of debts, which is an earnest of new life, the same in which
there is the complete loosing of death and sin, endowing those who eat
of it with immortal life
Our consciences being cleansed of doubts, let us approach and receive
the searching fire, the refining crucible, which purifies and purges away
the dross of sins, hallelujah, hallelujah!

Verses: Come, children, listen to me.
And I will teach you the fear of God.
Our consciences being cleansed of doubts, let us approach . . . . ..

177

THIRD SUNDAY OF SUMMER
Offer to him the sacrifices of praise.
We praise you, O living Sacrifice and Bread of Heaven, at every hour.

I will offer to you the sacrifice of praise.


The Lections
Deuteronomy 5:1-16
Isaiah 5:1-7

The Shuraya

You have broken down all his hedges;
you have demolished his strongholds.
All that pass by the way have tread upon him;
He has become the reproach of his neighbors.
You have exalted the right hand of his foes;
You have made all his enemies rejoice.
You have turned back the aid of his sword,
And you have not upheld him in battle.
You have destroyed his vindicators,
And cast his throne down to the ground.

The Apostle

178

The Zumara

As a deer thirsts for water, so too my soul calls out to you, O Lord. (2)
My soul thirsts for you, the living God.
When shall I come and behold your face? (2)

The Gospel
John 9:1-38


Text: O Son of David, have mercy upon me.

O Lord, all my longing is before you.
The blind man cried out before you, O our Savior, and with a doleful
voice, and set forth all his offences before you, and from the fount of
your mercies he asked light for his eyes, for he was persuaded that you
alone were the true Light, and was confident that you concerned yourself
with the smitten. When the crowds pressed in on you to receive help
from you, he shouted aloud to you, supplicating with his tears and
saying, You came to give light to the darkness of the world, and because
of your many mercies, which are eternally yours, I implore you to give
light to my eyes that I may see the wonders which you work among
men. O Son of David, have mercy upon me.

I have no light in my eyes.
The blind man cried out before you, O our Savior . . . . . .

The man blind from the belly of his mother approached you, O Lord, for
you are the living Way, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy upon
me, and by the command of your Godhead lighten my eyes, for lo, the

179

lamp, the light of my body, is extinguished and fails. Day and night are
the same to me, and I do not see. Therefore I implore you to lighten my
countenance and have mercy upon me.


Text: For a priest such as this is fitting for us, who loved us and gave
himself for us.

For you are a priest forever.
O High Priest of our confession and our Absolver, O Christ who became
for us an acceptable and spotless sacrifice, we ask from you the
forgiveness of debts when you set up your throne of judgment, for you
were persuaded by the sufferings of our nature, in which you suffered
and were tested for our salvation.

He had pity upon his land and upon his people.
O High Priest of our confession and our Absolver . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema
Christ our Savior gave us a gift, this life-giving treasure of his Body and
Blood. Let us approach him in awe and in faith, for he is the Minister
and Priest, and the same who is offered and consecrated. Hosts of angels
sing glory, and cherubim and seraphim sing holy,
And unceasingly, in unison, with their voices they offer praise and say,
Hallelujah!
Verses:
Cherubim bear his throne: seraphim hallow his honor.
And unceasingly, in unison, with their voices they offer praise and say,
Hallelujah!

Teshbokhta

180

tyrant death,
our land,
name for your gift!

181

FOURTH SUNDAY OF SUMMER

For you are a priest for ever.
The High Priest of our confession is Jesus, the great King, who through
his precious Body and Blood pardons our debts.

In the likeness of Melchizidek.
The High Priest of our confession is Jesus, the great King, who through
his precious Body and Blood pardons our debts.

You who are more glorious than all, higher than all, and exalted above
all, keep your Church in your compassion and save her children by your
Cross.

The Lections

Isaiah 9:8-end
The Shuraya

Who is the man that fears the Lord?
Him will he instruct in the way that he chooses.
His soul shall abide in favor,
And his seed shall possess the land.
The mind of the Lord is toward those who fear him,
And he makes known to them his covenant.

182

The Apostle
2 Corinthians 10

The Zumara

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness;
according to the abundance of your mercies blot out my sins. (2)
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sins!
For I know my transgressions, and my sins are always before me. (4)

The Gospel
Mark 7:1-23


Text: Who is the man who desires life. He who does these things is
just.

Save, Lord, for the good man perishes.
While we ought to cease from all the acts of sin begotten by us, we
ought especially to guard the speech of the tongue, for death and life are
placed in its power, and by it each one of us will answer to the just Judge
for what we have done in this habitation of our pilgrimage, for
everything is uncovered and reaveled before him. Come, let us
supplicate him with the prophet while groaning, O Lord, appoint a
guardian over our lips, a helper of your grace, and have mercy upon us.

Set a watch, O Lord, upon my mouth and a guard for my lips.
While we ought to cease from all the acts of sin . . . . . .

When I open my lips to sing praise to you, O my Lord, I behold my
mind, my accuser, which wars with me all the day as one whose deeds

183

do not agree with the words of his lips: nevertheless, through my tongue
enlighten and instruct my thoughts to sing to you hallelujah.


Text: I am the living bread which came down from heaven. This is
the living bread which came down from heaven.

See, then, that it is I; the poor shall eat and be satisfied.
I am the Bread which came down from on high, said our Savior in a
mystery to his disciples. Everyone who draws near and receives me shall
live by me for ever and inherit the Kingdom.

Who is the man that desires life?
I am the Bread which came down from on high . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

Behold, within the Church the Medicine of life is administered, which
descended from on high and is hidden mystically in bread and wine.
Then stretch out your hands, O mortals. Receive and be pardoned;
acquire life and reign with Christ. Cry out aloud and say, Hallelujah!
Verses:
This is the bread by which any who eats of it is delivered from Gehenna.
Then stretch out your hands, O mortals. Receive and be pardoned;
acquire life and reign with Christ. Cry out aloud and say, Hallelujah!

184

FIFTH SUNDAY OF SUMMER

Glorify the Lord in his Sanctuary,
Glory to the power which is proclaimed in Trinity and worshipped with
praise.
Let them glorify your name for ever.
praise.
everlasting and for ever and ever. Amen.
praise.

The Lections
Leviticus 23:9-22
Isaiah 28:14-22
The Shuraya
We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
A mockery and scorning to those round about us.
How long will you be angry, O LORD,
And your wrath burn like fire?
Pour out your anger on the nations that have not known you,
And on the kingdoms that have not called on your name!
For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his habitation.
Do not remember against us our former sins;
Let your mercies come speedily before us.

The Apostle

185

The Zumara
Blessed is he who considers the poor! The LORD will deliver him in the
day of trouble; _the LORD will protect him and keep him alive; and he
will make him celebrated in the land. (3) _He will not deliver him up to
his enemies. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed. _ (2)

The Gospel
St. Luke 16:19-17:10
(To God the Word)
Text: God loves a cheerful giver. Do not fear when a man becomes rich.
He who did not give cheerfully to the need of Lazarus was unable to be
at peace while burning in unquenchable Gehenna. He was deprived of
abundant mercies, for in this world, while he lived in luxury, he did not
acknowledge that all men who go down to the dust should bow down
and worship before the throne of the Kingdom. Instead, he reveled in a
multitude of riches and transient wealth, which cannot cause a drop of
dew to fall upon his burning or save him from the fierceness of his
torment, from which you, the just Judge, have delivered us. O Lord of
all, glory be to you.
For they did not remember to do good.
He who did not give cheerfully . . . . . .
Who would not be moved to repentance and mourning when he
considers the change of circumstances which took place between the
rich man and Lazarus. He who previously lived in pleasure now cries out
from within the fire, Abraham, my father, have mercy upon me, and
send Lazarus to me speedily that he may give me water on the tip of his

186

little finger for my torment, for behold, I am inflamed by unseen fire.
But Abram, who is merciful, would not have mercy upon one who was
unmerciful. Therefore let us flee from imitating the one deprived of
mercies, and let us follow after one who pours out his blessings upon
him who is in need, for he who is merciful will be deemed worthy of
mercies by the just Judge.

(To You are the Light)
Text: A multitude of the hosts of heaven, while singing praise, rejoiced
and glorified God. Bless the Lord, O his angels.
The hosts of angels bow down, worship, and glorify the one Trinity, and
offer continual praise to the worshipful nature. With holy voices they all
glorify the one hidden power of the Godhead.
His ministers who fulfill his will.
The hosts of angels bow down . . . . . .

The Anthem of the Bema
The hosts of heaven stand with us within the Sanctuary and extol the
living Lamb of God who is sacrificed before us.
My brothers, draw near and receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Cry
aloud and say, Hallelujah! Blessed is he who gives us his Body and
Blood that we may be pardoned by it.
Verses:
No one is able to tell of the greatness of this Mystery, for even angels
stand in fear and trembling when it is offered.
My brothers, draw near and receive . . . . . .
A seraph will not venture to touch this Mystery with his hand, which
now the priests in the Church bear and carry in procession upon their
hands.

187

Thousands upon thousands of cherubim and seraphim stand with us in
the Sanctuary at the hour when the priests consecrate the life-giving
Body and Blood.

188

SIXTH SUNDAY OF SUMMER

The Anthem of the Chancel
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and your saints with
glory.
O holy priests, cleanse your consciences from the filth of wickedness.
Beware! Do not sin.
O holy priests, cleanse your consciences . . . . . .
O holy priests, cleanse your consciences . . . . . .

The Lections
Leviticus 19:1-4; 9-14
Isaiah 29:13-end
The Shuraya
Hear my voice, O God, when I supplicate you;
Preserve me from dread of my enemies,
Hide me from the wickedness of the Evil One,
From the scheming of evildoers.

The Apostle
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

The Zumara
(To The shepherd)
O Provider of judgment and righteousness; do not leave me to my
oppressors. Delight your servant with good things; let not the proud
oppress me. (2)

189

My eyes await your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness.
Deal with your servant according to your mercies, and teach me your
law. (2)

The Gospel
St. Luke 17:5-19
The Anthem of the Gospel
(In a loud voice)
Text: Were there not ten who were cleansed? Where are the nine?
Hear this, all you nations.
Ten lepers came before you, O Lord of all. Not only were they vexed
with their pain, but according to the command of the Law they were cast
out of their habitations and wandered about in the desert, outside the
dwelling-place of humanity. But you, the Purifier of the impure, had pity
upon them and commanded them to go and show themselves to the
priests, and they were cleansed as they went, receiving healing from
you, O Lord of all. Nine were found to be ungrateful, but one returned to
offer thanks. Let us not be ungrateful. Come, let us commit ourselves to
his Lordship.
You are a God who works wonders; you, O Lord our God, answered
them.
Ten lepers came before you, O Lord of all . . . . . .
(To Elect Apostles) When Our Savior departed from Samaria to go to
the city of Jerusalem, ten lepers met him, crying out and saying, Our
Lord, have mercy upon us, and purify our bodies from the stains of
wickedness and sin. As they went away they were cleansed by the all
life-giving power of divine grace. One of them, when he was cleansed,
returned to our Lord, giving thanks to him and offering him praise.

190

(To Offer him thanksgiving)
Text: If they drink deadly poison it will not harm them. They shall lay
their hands upon the sick and they shall be healed.
He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.
Our Lord gave the medicine of repentance to the skilled physicians who
are the priests of the Church. He whom Satan smites with the diseases of
wickedness may come and show his sores to the disciples of the wise
Physician and they will heal him with spiritual medicine.
He grants their requests.
Our Lord gave the medicine of repentance . . . . . .

(Called Kartwaya)
The absolving Body and Blood are offered for the pardon of debts and
sins. Come, my brothers, let us draw near to them.
That which pardons us is the Mystery which was hidden for ages and
generations. Prophets and kings longed to see but did not see it, but now
priests within the Sanctuary celebrate and extol the Body and Blood of
Christ, hallelujah!
Verses:
Praise the LORD in his sanctuary;
Praise him in his mighty firmament!
Praise him in his might!
That which pardons us is the Mystery . . . . . .

Teshbokhta
tyrant death,

191

Remove from us all our pains, and make tranquility and mercy to dwell
in our land,
to meet you, according to your will,
name for your gift.

192

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF SUMMER


We will give thanks to you for ever.
Let us give thanks to Christ who has given us his Body and Blood, and
has made us worthy by his grace of his gift to our race.
For your loving-kindness and your truth.
Let us give thanks to Christ who has given us . . . . . .
O more glorious than all, higher than all, and exalted above all, keep
your Church in your compassion, and save her children by your Cross.

The Lections
Leviticus 19:15-18; 20:9-14
Isaiah 30:1-14

The Shuraya
Love the LORD, all you his righteous ones!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
But requites the wicked for their deeds.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
All you who hope in the LORD!

The Apostle
1 Thessalonians 2:14-3:all

The Zumara

193

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul hopes in you;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge. (2)
I will cry to God Most High, to God my Savior, who sends from heaven
and delivers me, and puts to shame my enemies. (3)

The Gospel
St. Luke 18:1-14
Text: God have mercy upon me, a sinner.
Hear this, all you peoples: that they may tell forth in Zion the name of
the Lord.
Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a
tax-collector. The Pharisee, being boastful, cried out and said, I fast
twice a week, and I pay tithe on everything I possess. However, the tax-
collector, not even wanting to lift up his eyes to heaven, but beating
upon his breast, said, God, be merciful to me, a sinner. As you led
your people in the wilderness, lead me, even me. O save me and have
mercy upon me.
One he casts down, and another he exalts.
Two men went up to the Temple to pray . . . . . .
I call the abundant mercies of your loving-kindness to my assistance, O
my Lord. I supplicate you, O my God, as the widow did the judge. I cry
aloud and make appeal for my sufferings. I lament because of the
enticements of lusts which always war against me, and I am cast down.
But you, O Friend of man and full of help, send healing to me.

Text: Seraphim stand above, and all the host of heaven stand above.

194

Cherubim, seraphim, and archangels stand in fear and trembling before
the Altar, looking upon the priest who breaks and administers the Body
of Christ for the pardon of debts.
You his ministers who do his will.
Cherubim, seraphim, and archangels stand in fear . . . . . .

Lo, the great and fearful Mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ is
being administered within the Church for the pardon of debts and the
salvation of our souls.
Companies of angels, with ten thousands of cherubim and hosts of
seraphim, cry, Holy, holy, you are holy, O Lord, and say,
Hallelujah!
Verses:
Let the mouths of men and angels cry out, Glory to the Fashioner of
all!
Companies of angels and ten thousands of cherubim . . . . . .
Teshbokhta
tyrant death,
Remove from us all our pains, and make tranquillity and mercy to dwell
in our land,

195

name for your gift.

196

SUNDAY ENTERING THE FAST OF MAR ELIJAH
Companies of angels in unanimity glorify the worshipful nature.
Let them praise your name for ever.
Companies of angels in unanimity glorify . . . . . .
Companies of angels in unanimity glorify . . . . . .

The Lections
Isaiah 31
The Shuraya
Had it not been for Moses, his chosen one,
Who stood in the breach before him
And turned away his wrath from destroying them.

The Apostle
2 Thessalonians 1
The Zumara
Sing to the Lord, who rides in the heavens of heavens. From the East he
sends forth his voice, a mighty voice. (2)
His power is in the heavens of heavens. You are terrible, O God, from
your sanctuary. The God of Israel will give power and strength to his
people. Blessed be God! (4)

The Gospel
St. Luke 18:35-19:10

197

The Text: Timai bar Timai, a blind man.
Show me your ways, O Lord.
A blind man was sitting at the side of the road begging for daily bread as
alms, and he listened and became aware that you were approaching to
pass by him, O Lord of all. And he rose up to plead with you, for you are
the Giver of all help, and in your mercifulness you touched his eyes, full
of darkness, and immediately his eyes were opened. He cried out, giving
thanks and saying, Glory to you, for you have saved me from darkness
and I have seen the light. Glory to you, for you have delivered me from
stumblings and scourgings. Glory to you, O Full of Wonders, you who
are the Friend of Men.
You gave him the desire of his heart: They hoped in you and were not
put to shame.
A blind man was sitting at the side of the road . . . . . .
O Christ, who exalted our nature, uprooted sin and corrupting death
from among us, and called sinners to receive assistance and deliverance
from you, the tax-collector heard and made haste, for he perceived your
eternal love and desired to see you, O our Lord, and to take refuge in
you, but was unable, for Zaccheus was short in stature. He climbed the
sycamore tree, that there he might see you, O Fountain of Life, and you,
who know our hidden things and all our infirmities, did not neglect to
turn him to you in your love. You forgave his debts in your compassion,
and the multitude of his wickednesses, and he began to repay his debts
with alms, and in the presence of everyone he glorified and confessed
your Lordship.

198

Text: Everything is ready: come to the feast. Take delight, O nations,
with his people.
Glorify the Lord in his Sanctuary; lift up your hands to the Sanctuary
and bless the Lord.
Behold, the Table is prepared in the Holy of Holies, and the glorious
priests surround it as a type of the seraphim. A priest calls the Spirit, and
he descends and dwells upon the bread and is mingled with the cup, and
it is made the medicine of life. Mortals draw near and receive the pardon
which destroys sin and cry out to him, Holy, holy, holy is our Life-
giver!
Your children surround your table like the planting of a vineyard.
Behold, the Table is prepared in the Holy of Holies . . . . . .

Let us draw near and receive from the spiritual Table the Body and
Blood of Christ for the pardon of debts. Great is the Mystery, which is
filled with delights and an earnest of life without end. He who receives it
in love is pardoned by it and is made an heir of the Kingdom, according
to the word of our Lord, hallelujah!
Verses:
O sinners, participate in this Mystery, by which you may acquire your
life and the pardon of your debts. Great is the Mystery of life hidden
within it, endowing those who are made worthy of it with all benefits. In
purity of heart let us draw near and be pardoned by it, our thoughts being
cleansed and our scars healed, hallelujah!

199

Teshbokhta
tyrant death,
in our land,
name for your gift.

200

SECOND SUNDAY OF ELIJAH
Blessed is the renewal which our Savior brought about for the race of
mortals.
How good and how beautiful.
Blessed is the renewal which our Savior brought . . . . . .
Blessed is the renewal which our Savior brought . . . . . .

The Lections
Deuteronomy 7:7-11
Isaiah 30:15-26

The Shuraya
To you, O LORD, I have lifted up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust, let me not be put to shame;
Let not my enemies exult over me.
Yea, let none that hope in you be put to shame.

The Apostle
2 Thessalonians 2:15-3:18

The Zumara
Be gracious to me, O God, for men trample upon me; all day long the
warlike oppress me; (2)

201

My enemies trample upon me all day long, for a multitude of the warlike
have exalted themselves over me. (2)

The Gospel
St. Matthew 13:1-23

Text: A new and beloved planting.
They sowed the fields and planted vineyards.
Our Savior sowed the seeds of truth, the teaching of life, in the souls of
men. Those which fell beside the roadway were trodden down and came
to an end. A thicket grew up and obscured the beauty of those which fell
among the thorns. Those planted on rocky soil sprang up quickly, but
when the sun grew hot, they withered and faded, for their roots were not
firmly set, and they received no strength from the soil. The glorious fruit
of those which were sown on good ground appeared thirty-fold, sixty-
fold, and a hundred-fold. Make your good seed to fall in our souls, O our
Lord, and have pity upon us.
May his seed be our strength in the land.
Our Savior sowed the seeds of truth . . . . . .
Thorns grew up and choked the seed of truth, the teaching of Jesus, and
from the neglect of the husbandmen the fields became trodden down.
The pastors slumbered and slept, and demons corrupted at will, and there
was no shepherd to stand against them.

Text: In the fearful presence of the Lord and of the glory of his power. It
is a great terror to fall into the hands of the living God.

202

Praise the Lord in the heavens, you his ministers who do his will.
In awe and joy all the companies of heavenly and earthly beings stand
when the sacrifice for the life of the world is offered; and spreading their
wings before their eyes that they might not observe the fearful and
incomprehensible sight, they cry aloud with their voices, and their
tongues call out, saying, Holy, holy, you are holy, O Lord, because of
this fearful gift you have given us, that we might be absolved of our
debts by it. Grant us, O my Lord, in your compassion, and make us
worthy in your grace, to offer thanksgiving to you for it and to say,
`Glory to you!'
There they were in great fear.
In awe and joy all the companies of heavenly . . . . . .

Anthem:
Glory to the three-fold power which dwells in the light, nature without
beginning, who exists eternally. Nothing composed can relate the
holiness of his honor. Thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times
ten thousand of the companies on high hallow his honor in fear and
trembling.
They all cry out as one, You are holy, you are holy, you are holy, O
hidden Being, hallelujah!
Verses:
The fiery ranks and heavenly hosts, the seraphim and cherubim, in fear
and trembling, and with love and affection, hallow him insatiably, and
with spiritual wings cover the countenance of their faces that they might
not observe the fearful and incomprehensible sight.
They all cry out as one, You are holy . . . . . .

203

204

THIRD SUNDAY OF ELIJAH

Sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be cleansed.
Send the refreshing dew of your gracious mercies for our help.
With it wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Send the refreshing dew . . . . . .
Send the refreshing dew . . . . . .

The Lections
Deuteronomy 7:12-end
Isaiah 32:1-33:6

The Shuraya
One generation shall tell of your works to another,
And shall show forth your might.
They shall speak of your terrible power,
And tell of your great deeds.
Men shall proclaim the fearfulness of your might,
And declare your greatness.

The Apostle
Philippians 1:12-25
The Zumara
Your hands have made and fashioned me; teach me your law that those
who fear you may see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your
word. _(2)

205

I have known, O Lord, that your judgments are righteous, and that your
faithfulness has afflicted me. Let your mercies be for my comfort, as you
have promised your servant. _(2)

The Gospel
St. Matthew 13:24-43

Text: Thus it shall be at the end of the age.
I remembered God and was troubled.
O Lord, I have contemplated your appearance at the end and I have
wondered at its terror. The watchers hasten at your command to gather
out the tares from the wheat, and they complete indeed that which they
desired to do when they had previously petitioned you. The evil are cast
down into Gehenna, and the good inherit delight, and I, who have been
sorely guilty, where shall I flee from your judgment? O my Lord, let me
not be a tare which has grown up among the wheat. Gather me into your
storehouse.
And fear fell upon me.
O Lord, I have contemplated your appearance . . . . . .
O good Husbandman who came to root out the tares which the Evil One
planted in the field of the house of Adam, grant us to be choice wheat
and enter your people into the storehouse of the Kingdom.

Text: We who today are thus the called and saints in Jesus Christ are
sanctified and are all made alive.

206

Come, let us glorify the Lord, we who stand in the house of the Lord by
night.
Let all of us who are called to take delight in the glorious and divine
Mysteries confess and worship in awe and love the Lord of all. Let us
receive in love and faith the Body of Christ the Son, who was sacrificed
for our salvation. He has pardoned our debts and reconciled his Father
with us through the shedding of his blood. Lo, he is celebrated upon the
Altar and at the right hand of the Father who sent him, and while he
remains one and undivided, above and in the Church he is continually
sacrificed for our debts, though he does not suffer. Come, let us draw
near worthily to the sacrifice of his all-sanctifying Body, and let us all
cry out to him together and say, Glory be to you!
A people whom he has chosen for an inheritance.
Let all of us who are called to take delight . . . . . .

The precious Body and absolving Blood have been offered. Draw near,
you who have been called, and take delight in the pure and holy
Mystery. With the hosts above render praise with a loud voice and say,
You are holy, you are holy, you are holy, O Lord of all.
Companies of angels, with the cherubim and seraphim, sing hallelujah.
Verses:
Isaiah saw the seraphim in the Temple crying, Holy, holy!
Companies of angels, with the cherubim . . . . . .
The fiery ranks and spiritual hosts fly and circle about crying, Holy!
Spiritual seraphim cry holy to you, O all-sanctifying Holy One.
Teshbokhta

207

tyrant death,
in our land,
name for your gift.

208

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE CROSS
(FOURTH SUNDAY OF ELIJAH)

Praise the Lord in the heights.
O Cross, which brought tranquility to the depths below, for the height
had no lack of tranquility, bring peace, O my Lord, to men.
Bring wars to an end from the ends of the earth.
O Cross, which brought tranquility to the depths . . . . . .
Your worshippers stand in your courts and take refuge in prayer. Supply
them with blessings from your house full of helps.
The Lections
Deuteronomy 8:11-end
Isaiah 33:13-end
The Shuraya
Do not envy the man who does evil and prospers in his way!
Be at rest from anger, and cease from wrath!
Do not long to work evil.
For the wicked shall come to an end;
But those who hope in the Lord shall possess the land.
The Apostle
Philippians 1:27-2:11
The Zumara
The Lord reigns; he clothes himself in majesty; the Lord clothes himself
with power and waxes mighty. (2)
He establishes the world so that it cannot be moved; your throne is
established from of old; you are from everlasting. _(3)
The Gospel

209

St. Matthew 4:12-5:16
Text: With the good things which are to come and do not pass away.
The great good which is promised to those who are led by your
commandments has departed from me, and instead of good I have gotten
woe and miseries, for I have left you and forgotten you. O my Lord, do
not forget me and do not turn away from me, but search for me in your
compassion, for it was not by request that I was fashioned, nor was it
through your wrath that I was formed in the womb. O Good One who
fashioned me, have pity upon me. O Lord who created me, purify me.
Extend to me a helping hand that I may stand and struggle with the Evil
One who led me away captive from you.
I remembered these things, and my soul was disquieted.
The great good which is promised . . . . . .
You gave the promise of life, O our Savior, to the friends of your love,
and enriched them with its knowledge. You filled them with the wisdom
of its power, and taught them to pray at every moment, Our Father in
Heaven, may your name be hallowed. May your Kingdom come to us.
May your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us our necessary
bread, and do not lead us to temptation, but deliver us from the Evil
One; for yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory.

Text: There shall be an Altar, a Holy of Holies, to tell of the Mystery of
Christ. High in all the earth: great and fearful to all surrounding it.
The Altar is a symbol of the tomb in which the body of our Savior was
placed, and the bread and wine which are set forth are a type of our

210

Lord in the tomb. The Priest, like the soul of Jesus, battles with the Evil
One, and then he represents a type of the Resurrection.
How good and how lovely.
The Altar is a symbol of the tomb . . . . . .
On this Feast of the Finding of the Cross of Christ the King let us sing
glory with the spiritual ones to him who by his Cross attained the victory
and made peace in the height and in the depth, and gave to his Church
his Body and Blood. Hallelujah!
Verses:
The Cross of Light shone forth in creation and banished the darkness of
idolatry. Constantine saw it in the heavens, which is the same as he who
rules over all false worship, the same who reconciles the height and the
depth with the One who sent him to our race. Hallelujah!
Teshbokhta
tyrant death,
in our land,
name for your gift.
because of your mercies

211

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE CROSS
(FIFTH SUNDAY OF ELIJAH)

Glory to the Savior of all who through his sacrifice delivered our nature.
From the mouth of young men and children.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; from everlasting, and
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lections
Deuteronomy 9:1-8
Isaiah 25:1-8
The Shuraya
The God of gods, the Lord, speaks
And summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion God shows forth a glorious crown.
The Apostle
Philippians 3:1-14
The Zumara
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercies endure for ever. O give
thanks to the God of gods, for his mercies endure for ever. _(2)
To him who in his wisdom made the heavens, for his mercies endure for ever; to him
who spread out the earth upon the waters, for his mercies endure for ever. (2)
The Gospel
St. Matthew 17:14-end
I was led astray like a lost sheep: O seek out your servant.
Through your search for me, O Christ the King, let me be found. I am the lost coin;
seek me, O my Lord. Let my lost condition be found in you; restore me to your fold.
You have sought those who are far off. Will you turn your face from me? Your
commandment caused a shekel to ascend from the sea. O do not look away from me. I
am the coin which is lost; seek me, O my Lord, with the light of your lamp. You have
restrained the sun. O who will lead me in your pathways? Have pity on me.
Restore us, O God our Savior: consider, and answer me, O Lord my God.

212

Through your search for me, O Christ the King . . . . . .
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; from everlasting, and
forever and ever. Amen.
You only take delight in the life of men, O Christ our Savior, for you sought the sheep
which was lost in your compassion, and in your mercy you gathered it into your fold. I
am the sheep from your flock which is lost. Do not ignore me, O my Lord, but gather
me up that I may enter your fold and be numbered among your flock. I call upon your
protection; have mercy upon me, according to the custom of your loving-kindness.

Text: That we may serve henceforth with gladness of spirit, let us then live in the
Spirit and obey the Spirit.
Come, let us glorify the Lord, we who stand in the house of the Lord by night.
Come, let all of us who believe acknowledge without wavering that we see upon the
holy Altar the Lamb of God who, behold, is daily sacrificed in a mystical fashion, and
though he lives for ever, he is administered to each one without increase or decrease.
Therefore with fear and trembling let us all cry, Holy, holy, you are holy, O Lord, for
Heaven and earth are filled with your praises.
Keep the faithful, O Lord.
Come, let all of us who believe acknowledge . . . . . .
Come, let us all open our mouths before the gift which gives our nature new life, and
let us cleanse our consciences from evil. Let us receive from the absolving Altar the
earnest of life which spiritual beings have ministered.
Let us all in one union of love receive the Body of Christ, and with the spiritual beings
let us cry out and say together, Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Verses:
This Cross is a great wonder. In the heights and in the depths, glory to his name.
Let us all in one union of love receive . . . . . .
This is the hope for which the height and depth and all that is in them awaited.
Let us all in one union of love receive . . . . . .

213

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE CROSS
(SIXTH SUNDAY OF ELIJAH)

I will speak parables from of old.
The mystery which Jonah signified in the depth of the abyss has been
fulfilled.
The mystery which Jonah signified . . . . . .
The mystery which Jonah signified . . . . . .
The Lections
Deuteronomy 9:13-22
Isaiah 26:1-19
The Shuraya
For God is judge,
Casting down one and lifting up another.
For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
With clouded wine, well mixed.
He turns from one to another,
And all the impious of the earth shall drink it
And drain it to its dregs.

The Apostle
Philippians 4:4-end
The Zumara
The Lord shall lead me, I shall lack nothing; he shall feed me upon
verdant meadows. He shall lead me beside still waters; _(3)

214

Restore my soul. O lead me in pathways of truth for your name's sake.
Though I may walk through the valleys of death's shadows I will fear no
evil. (3)
The Gospel
St. Matthew 15:21-38
Text: Lo, a Canaanite woman from the border regions.
She was ill, but you restored her.
The Canaanite woman cried out with passion, saying, Son of David,
have mercy upon me; my daughter is cruelly driven about by a demon,
and she is unable to conceal this affliction, for it encompasses her at all
times. Through her mother she supplicated you, O my Lord, Healer of
all diseases and Savior of our souls. O our Lord, Fount of all helps, have
mercy upon me.
For the time had come to have mercy upon her.
The Canaanite woman cried out with passion . . . . . .
Who is able to recite your benefits, O our Lord, which you gave in your
love to the race of mortals. In the desert you multiplied bread for the
crowds, and they ate and all were equally satisfied. The men and
women, the youths and children, the numberless thousands ate and were
filled from the little bread which you made to abound in their presence.
Let us confess him who descended in his love and worked wonders on
the earth. Glory be to him!
Text: Everything is ready; come to the feast.
Lo, you who have been summoned to new life, adorn yourselves with
the Body and absolving Blood, and with spiritual songs glorify and

215

confess the Son of the King who descended to us and saved us by his
Cross. He gave us his Body and Blood, in which all the saints rejoice
greatly, crying out to him, Holy, holy, holy, O Quickener of all.
Lift up your hands to the Sanctuary and bless the Lord.
Lo, you who have been summoned to new life . . . . . .
Anthem of the Bema (prior to the Feast of the Cross)
With purity of conscience and clean thoughts let us approach the
perfection which is mercifully given for the pardon of debts and for an
earnest of new life. Let us all in love embrace the mystery, and in fear let
us serve the High Priest who absolves us.
And with the spiritual beings let us hallow him with the three holies, for
he gives our race communion in the food of new life, here mystically,
and there in truth when the glory of his great coming shall appear.
Verses:
With the Mystery of his Body the Son of God nourishes us through his
manifestation to us.
And with the spiritual beings let us hallow him . . . . . .
Anthem of the Bema (after the Feast of the Cross)
Behold, approach, O nations, the body and living blood of Christ, the
Pardoner of Debts, and receive absolution from the Table of the
Kingdom, hallelujah!
Verses:
Jonathan's eyes were opened when he tasted the honey at the top of his
staff. Lo, enlighten your minds with the power of the Cross. Hallelujah!

[Seventh Week of Elijah; Fourth Week of Holy Cross]

216

FIRST SUNDAY OF MOSES
All of them, from the first to the last.
All creatures sing glory to your Being, O Nature without beginning.
The world and its inhabitants.
The Lections
Deuteronomy 11:1-12
Isaiah 40:1-17
The Shuraya
How great are your works, O Lord!
Your thoughts are very deep! _
The foolish man cannot know,
And the stupid cannot understand this. _
The Apostle
2 Corinthians 1:23-2:16
The Zumara
Praise the Lord, all you nations! Praise him, all you peoples! _(2)
For he has increased his loving-kindness toward us; truly the Lord
endures forever. (2) _
The Gospel
St. Matthew 20:1-16
Text: That which God promised to those who love him.
I will confess you in the great assembly.
You have called me at the eleventh hour to the spiritual vineyard which
is full of heavenly benefits, O Christ our Savior, to labor and to receive

217

from you a full wage; and though your mercies deemed me worthy of
these, I have willfully and through the laxness of my ways given myself
in service to wickedness and sin. I supplicate your loving-kindness, O
merciful Lord, that when you come, O our Lord, to judge and to pay the
wages of your laborers, do not, my Lord, recompense judgment for my
idleness, but in your grace have mercy upon me.
In the night and in the morning and at noonday.
You have called me at the eleventh hour to the spiritual . . . . . .
Tell me, my brothers, what is the interpretation of the dinar which our
Lord spoke of in his Gospel? The dinar is the wedding feast, which is
full of heavenly benefits, and it is kept for the servants of the Most High.
Glory to you, O our Lord! Glory to you, Son of God! Blessed is he who
has been deemed worthy of it!
Text: For you are a merciful and compassionate God. You alone are
God. You are merciful, O Lord, and righteous.
You, O merciful Father, have summoned us to your Kingdom, and you
have deemed us worthy in your grace of the Table of the spiritual
Sanctuary. You are a merciful God.
You, O merciful Father, have summoned us . . . . . .
Blessed is the Shepherd who watches his flock, which hungers, and
breaks his own Body for it, and opens his side for drink, supplying it
with living waters, hallelujah!
Verses:
If the lions were terrified at the body of Daniel, how much more are
Sheol and sin terrified at the Body of our Savior, hallelujah!

218

SECOND SUNDAY OF MOSES

Blessed is our Savior who delivered our nature from ravenous death.
And his praises will always be in my mouth.
The Lections
Isaiah 40:18-41:7
The Shuraya
They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a molten image.
They exchanged their honor for the image of an ox that eats grass.
They forgot God, who saved them,
Who had done great things in Egypt,
Wondrous works in the land of Ham,
And terrible things by the Red Sea.
The Apostle
Galatians 5:16-end
The Zumara
I thank you that you have answered me and have become my Savior.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner-stone of the
building. (4)
This is the day which the Lord has made; come, let us rejoice and be
glad in it. Save me, O Lord! O Lord, deliver me! Blessed is he who
comes in the name of the Lord! (4)

219

The Gospel
St. Luke 8:40-end
Text: For the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Who is like you, O Lord?
The hemorrhaging woman cried out, Who will have pity on me, and is
able to offer me healing and deliver me from the stubborn flow of
blood? And she said, Physicians of men have taken everything I have,
and they have left me with nothing. I am now rejected by the Law, for
through my sickness I have polluted the Temple of God. I have reached
the point of despair and torment. I will go near and lay hold of the hem
of the holy one's garment, and he will heal me. I will cry out with
groaning and say, My Lord, you are alone merciful, and because of this
my soul says at every hour, blessed is Christ our Savior.
O where will my help come from?
The hemorrhaging woman cried out, Who will have pity . . . . ..
Everything which I possessed the physicians took, and they left me with
nothing, until I came to Jesus our Savior. I touched the hem of his
garment and was healed.
Text: We are all, with confidence But make ready your souls for
God.
Come, let us all prepare our souls with our bodies for the fearful gift of
the life-giving Mysteries which save us from death and corruption, and
give life to mortals in the heavenly habitation.
Come, children; listen to me.
Come, let us all prepare our souls with our bodies . . . . . .

220

Lo, the earnest of new life is being administered within the sanctuary.
O mortals, with perfect love draw near, receive, live, and by pardoned
by it.
Verses:
My brothers, receive the body of the Son, and drink his cup in faith.
O mortals, with perfect love draw near, receive, live, and by pardoned
by it.

THIRD SUNDAY OF MOSES

Our God is a mighty house of refuge.
All your worshippers hasten to the refuge of the Church, O our Lord, to
receive the Holy Mysteries, that they may be for the pardon of their
debts.
He led them to the harbor which they longed for.
All your worshippers hasten to the refuge . . . . . .
The Cross which dwelt in the heights brought peace to the depths below,
for on high there was no lack of peace. O my Lord, bring peace to men.
The Lections
Deuteronomy 12:1-25
Isaiah 41:8-20
The Shuraya
The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours;
The world and its fullness you have founded. _
The north and the south you have created;

221

Tabor and Hermon praise your name. _
The Apostle
Galatians 6:1-end
The Zumara
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of
melody! _With the sound of trumpets sing praises before the King, the
Lord! (2)
Let the sea be moved in its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it!
(2)
The Gospel
St. John 5:1-18
Hear this, all you people.
By the Pool of Siloam lay the paralytic in pain, and he was tormented.
Though he daily waited to bathe, another went down before him and was
healed. He had remained there for thirty-eight years when he saw our
Lord, who said to him, Take up your bed. The Jews quarreled with him:
It is the Sabbath Day; you are not allowed to carry your bed. And he
replied and told them, He who made me well said to me, Take up your
bed. Then he departed and went before them offering praise and
thanksgiving to him who had healed him.
The Lord will sustain him upon his bed of painall those who passed by
on the road trode him down.
By the Pool of Siloam lay the paralytic in pain . . . . . .
I have for long been ill, O my Savior, and my illness has been difficult to
heal. My debts have multiplied and I have not repented. The disease,
which is prolonged by my sins, has corrupted both soul and body. O
Word who commanded the paralytic to take up his bed and walk, and the

222

knees which were trembling were strengthened, and the sick acquired
health, like him I cry out and say, Purge, O my Lord, my own spots and
the debts which I have incurred, and have mercy upon me.

You have prepared before us the Table of absolution for one who is
innocent, whose hands are clean and whose heart is pure, and with
splendor the Oblation is offered, which you gave for sinners. Glory be to
you, O God.
To him whose hands are clean and whose heart is pureto those who
are upright in heart.
You have prepared before us the Table of absolution . . . . . .

Let this Oblation be accepted on high with that of Abel and Noah and
Abraham in the Kingdom.
Verses:
My brothers, receive the Body of the Son, says the Church, and drink his
Cup in faith in the Kingdom.

[Fourth Sunday of Moses]

223

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE HALLOWING OF THE CHURCH,
CALLED "THE DEDICATION"


You have made your sanctuary the foundation of your dwelling-place, O
Lord.
You have established a harbor of tranquility on earth for those who
glorify you as a type of your heavenly habitation, and while you sit at
the right hand of the Father on high, you fill your Church, O King of
Glory, with the excellence and beauty of your Cross. Therefore,
watchers and men rejoice in her, singing praise in her Sanctuary, for the
Father establishes her foundations, the Son builds and perfects her, and
the Spirit descends and sanctifies her. We beseech you to be a mighty
bulwark for her, and keep her in extended peace.

Through your holy Cross, O our Savior, angels and men are made one
flock, and lo, the heavenly and earth rejoice in one Church. Behold, all
creatures cry out, O Lord of all, glory be to you.

The Lections
Exodus 40:17-end
Isaiah 6

The Shuraya

224

All the glory of the daughter of the King is within. Let us honor the
Hallowing of the Church with spiritual songs.
Her clothing is adorned with fine gold. Let us honor the Hallowing of
the Church with spiritual songs.

The Apostle


The Zumara

How lovely are your tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul has waited,
yea, longed for the courts of the Lord. (2)_
The sparrow has found a home for herself, and the turtle-dove a nest.
They have reared their young, beside your altar, O Lord of hosts, my
King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house. (2)

The Gospel

St. Matthew 16:13-19; 21:12-13


Text: Rejoice and sing praise together, O waste-lands of Jerusalem.
Be merry, sing, and offer praise.
Exult and be glad, O faithful Church, daughter of the King of the Ages,
in the Bridegroom who betrothed you and brought you into his
bridechamber. For a dowry he gave you his own Body and precious
Blood, and through the sacrifice of himself he pardoned you and
sanctified you, making you his own adorned bride. He mixed within you
a spiritual drink for all your children, and lo, they refresh themselves

225

within the Sanctuary while rejoicing; and with them we too shall cry out
and say, Glory be to you!
Attend, my daughter, and see, and bow your knee.
Exult and be glad, O faithful Church . . . . . .


Give thanks, O Church, through the mouths of your children, to Christ,
who suffered for you and built and assembled you upon the rock of
Simon Peters truth. He adorned you with priests and teachers who are
well-pleasing to him, and fashioned and set up within you the Table of
the Kingdom for his own Body and precious Blood.
And lo, watchers and men sing glory at your wedding feast to your
betrothed, who was sacrificed for you and breaks his Body and gives it
to you. Let us cry out and say, Hallelujah!

Verses:

Isaiah in ancient times foretold, while prophesying, that your gates
would be of beryl, and your edifices of rock crystal.
And lo, watchers and men sing glory at your wedding . . . . . .

226

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE HALLOWING OF THE CHURCH


All your worshippers hasten to the place of refuge which is your Church,
O our Lord, to receive the Holy Mysteries, that they may have pardon
for their debts.

Rich and poor alike.
All your worshippers hasten to the place of refuge . . . . . .

One is the power of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
which is glorified in Heaven and on earth.

The Lections

Exodus 39:32-40:16
1 Kings 8:10-28
The Shuraya

Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
I will bless her huntsmen;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her righteous with glory.
There I will make a horn to sprout for David;
I will light a lamp for his anointed.

227

The Apostle

Hebrews 8:1-9:4
The Zumara

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! (2) _
For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your sons within
you, and makes peace in your borders. _(3)

The Gospel

Matthew 12:1-13

Text: His Kingdom is an everlasting kingdom: Who will not fear
you, O King of all ages?

I will extol you, my Lord, the King.
O Christ the King, you who saved the holy Church from error through
your precious blood, grant us in your compassion to be made worthy at
all times to do your will, and to honorably offer the Oblation to your
Godhead with a pure heart, and with companies of angels to lift up
praise to you in fear, saying, Holy, holy, you are holy, O Lord God, our
Savior.

O Christ the King, you who saved the holy Church . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

O you who are bidden, O children of the light, draw near and take
delight in the wedding-feast of the Bridegroom who has summoned us to

228

new life, and has appointed us heirs in his Kingdom on high. He has
give us his own Body, and has clothed his Church with appropriate
glory.
And with the spiritual ones let us cry out three-fold, calling aloud and
singing to him, saying, Hallelujah!

Verses:

Mystically the Bridegroom who affianced me has set me higher than the
watchers in the light, says the Church. Through water and the Spirit he
sanctified me by his Baptism, and he summons my children to new life.
And with the spiritual ones let us cry aloud . . . . . .

229

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE HALLOWING OF THE CHURCH

Lord, who shall dwell in your tabernacle?
O Father, who made your glory to dwell upon Mount Sinai, and filled
the Sanctuary of your honor, fill with glory this Temple which is set
apart for your honor, and for the banquet of your love, and for the honor
of your praise, that it may be a haven and house of refuge for all who are
distressed, and in it you, your Son, and the Holy Spirit may be glorified.
To you be the praise from heavenly and earthly beings at all times.

And who shall dwell on your holy mountain?
O Father, who made your glory to dwell upon Mount Sinai . . . . . .

Watchers and men worship your Cross, O our Savior, and bear it upon
their hands and sing glory, for it brings peace in creation, and causes
wars and tumults to cease, and reconciles the people with the peoples,
that they may supplicate it in one Church, confess and worship your
Lordship, and cry out with holy voices, Glory to the Son of the Heavenly
King, for through his many mercies he pardons our debts.

The Lections
Numbers 7:1-10; 9:15-20
Isaiah 54:1-15
The Shuraya
And shall glorify your name. For you are great
And do wondrous things, you alone are God.

230

The Apostle

Hebrews 9:5-15

The Zumara

You have made your sanctuary the foundation of your habitation; you
have fashioned it, O Lord, with your hands. The Lord shall reign for
ever and ever. (3)
The Lord on high is glorious! Your testimonies are very sure; holiness
befits your house, O Lord, for the duration of time. (4)

The Gospel

John 2:12-22

Text: For great is he who is in you, the Holy One of Israel. The Lord is
in you; you shall never more see evil.

How lovely are your tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts.
In your tabernacles, O faithful Church, we see as in a mystery the living
Lamb of God being borne upon your splendid Altar, which is joined to
him in love.
His people are in one spirit in the indestructible Kingdom, and receive
from him a beautiful crown and a robe of incorruptible glory. Through
him they were brought to the Father, as members of the bodys Head. He
is the true Head, and we are his precious Body.
Bow down and worship him in fear and in love because of this grace, for
he is your Lord, Christ, the King of Glory. Supplicate and beseech him
to have pity on you.

231

Let us enter his tabernacle and worship at his footstool. Precious things
are spoken in you, O city of our God.
In your tabernacles, O faithful Church, we see as in a mystery . . . . . .

Anthem of the Bema

Blessed is he who built holy Church upon the rock of faith, placing in
her apostles, prophets, and teachers skilled in the truth.

Verses:

Blessed are you, O faithful Church, daughter-in-law of the Father, the
King of Kings, for according to the prediction of the prophets, your
beauty is enhanced with gold.

232

FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE HALLOWING OF THE CHURCH


Remember your Church, which you purchased of old.
O our Lord, by your mercies keep your Church, which you chose and
confirmed from of old. Remove from her wars and conflicts, and bind up
her children in love and unity. May her priests remain in peace and the
true faith. Preserve her pastor in your compassion, that he may be an
advocate and ask from you at all times peace for his flock.

Preserve your mercies for your friends.
O our Lord, by your mercies keep your Church . . . . . .

O Christ the Son, who came for our salvation, remember your Church,
which you purchased of old, and subdue before her the nations which
desire war. As you promised to Peter, her founder, that the gates of
Sheol and its tyrants would never prevail against her, confirm for her
your word, O our Savior, for you are her King, the Guide of her
children, and the boast of her inhabitants.

The Lections

1 Kings 6:1-19
Ezekiel 43:1-6; 44:1-5
The Shuraya
"Let us go to his tabernacle; let us worship at his footstool!" Rise up, O
Lord, to your resting place,
You and the ark of your might.

233

Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and your righteous ones
with glory.
For your servant David's sake do not turn away the face of your anointed
one. The Lord swore to David in truth, from which he will not turn back:
"One of the fruit of your belly I will set on your throne."

The Apostle

Hebrews 9:16-end
The Zumara

Hear, O my daughter, consider, and incline your ear; forget your people
and your father's house; for the king will desire your beauty. (3)
All the glory of the kings daughter is within; her clothing is adorned
with fine gold. She shall go to the king with gifts, and they shall escort
the virgins, her companions, after her. (4)

The Gospel

Matthew 22:41-23:22


Text: Thus far, the end of the matter.

He led them to the harbor which they desired.
We have arrived at the harbor of the ineffable Mysteries, that we all may
receive and be made worthy to wash the filth from our souls and
approach the pure Sacrifice without spot. May we inherit eternal,
undying life, as Christ our King promised to his friends; and meet our
God with hymns of praise, and together with thousands of cherubim and

234

ten thousands of seraphim say, Holy, holy, you are holy. O magnificent
King of Glory, have mercy upon us.

Sing to the Lord with harps and the sound of music.
We have arrived at the harbor of the ineffable Mysteries . . . . . .

Sanctify your Church in your compassion, O our Savior, and cause your
grace to dwell in the temple which is set apart for your honor. Erect
within it your splendid Altar, O Lord, upon which is borne your Body
and Blood.
Anthem of the Bema

Great, O our Lord, is your gift to mortals, for you have given our race
communion in the Mysteries, in which the medicine of life is hidden.
You have absolved our lost estate and have recalled it from error.
Therefore the Church in her companies cries aloud with the sound of
praise in memory of the dowry which the Son of the King gave to her in
his love. Priests as well as the angels celebrate the earnest of life.

Verses:

A crown of victory he has given to his Church. Let glory be to him from
all mouths.

235

PROPERS OF THE HOLY ONES

236

237

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FIRST SUNDAY OF ANNUNCIATION

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