Lenten Services, Readings, and the Saint of the Day

Thursday, April 25, 2008 Holy Thursday (the are no lives of the saints for Holy Week)

Passion Week: Great Thursday

MATINS

Luke 22:1-39

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

FIRST HOUR

Jeremiah 11:18-12:5, 9-11, 14-15

But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause. Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand: Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine: And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation. Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins. But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter. How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end. If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour. Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart. Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them. And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.

VESPERS

Exodus 19:10-19

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount. And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives. And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

Job 38:1-23; 42:1-5

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken. Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all. Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great? Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war? Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

Isaih 50:4-11

The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up. Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

LITURGY OF ST. BASIL

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Matthew 26:1-20

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people. Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

John 13:3-17

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Matthew 26:21-39

And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Luke 22:43-45

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

Matthew 26:40-27:2

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Part 3: Matins and Vespers

TRIODION
GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY BRIDEGROOM MATINS
 
 THE CANON
 
 TONE 6
 
CANTICLE ONE:
 
IRMOS: AT A STROKE THE RED SEA WAS PARTED IN TWO,
THE SWELLING DEPTHS DRIED UP:
A PATH FOR THOSE UNARMED,
A GRAVE FOR THOSE IN FULL ARRAY.
A SONG BEFITTING GOD WAS SUNG,
FOR GLORIOUSLY HAS CHRIST OUR GOD BEEN GLORIFIED!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD GLORY TO YOU!
 
Cause of all and Giver of life,
the infinite Wisdom of God
has built a house from a pure, unwedded mother!
For clothed in the temple of His body,
gloriously has Christ our God been glorified!
 
Initiating His friends into the mystery,
the true Wisdom of God
has set a table that nourishes the soul,
and has mixed a cup of immortality for the faithful.
Let us draw near with reverence and cry out:
GLoriously has Christ our God been glorified!
 
Let us the faithful all listen
as the uncreated and innate Wisdom of God calls out with a loud voice.
For He cries: Taste, and knowing that I am God, exclaim:
Gloriously has Christ our God been glorified!
 
KATAVASIA: (the irmos is repeated throughout as katavasia)
 

HOLY THURSDAY: THE CANON
 
 
CANTICLE THREE
 
IRMOS: THE LORD AND CREATOR OF ALL, THE CHANGELESS GOD,
DESCENDED TO UNITE THE CREATURE TO HIMSELF.
NOW AS THE PASSOVER HE OFFERS HIMSELF
TO THOSE FOR WHOM HE IS ABOUT TO DIE,
CRYING: EAT MY BODY AND BE CONFIRMED IN FAITH!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU...
 
You filled Your cup of gladness,
which redeems all the race of men,
and gave it to Your disciples to drink, Good One.
You offered Yourself, crying:
Drink my blood and be confirmed in faith
 
Foolish is the man among you who is a betrayer,
foretold the patient One to His disciples.
He shall not know these things, and being without understanding,
he shall not understand.
Yet abide in Me and be confirmed in faith.
 

GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY: CANON
 
 - THE LITTLE LITANY -
 
 SESSIONAL HYMNS TONE 1
 
THE LORD, WHO ALONE LOVES MANKIND,
 
WHO CREATED THE LAKES, THE RIVERS, AND THE SEAS,
 
GAVE US A SPECIAL COMMANDMENT OF LOVE:
 
WHEN HE WRAPPED A TOWEL AROUND HIS WAIST AND WASHED THE FEET OF HIS
  DISCIPLES;
 
HE HUMBLED HIMSELF IN THE GREATNESS OF HIS GOODNESS,//
 
RAISING US FROM THE DEPTHS OF EVIL.
 
 GLORY... TONE 3
 
IN YOUR GOODNESS YOU HUMBLED YOURSELF,
 
WASHING THE FEET OF YOUR DISCIPLES.
 
PETER WOULD NOT ALLOW THIS, NOT SEEING THE DIVINE PLAN.
 
WHEN YOU REVEALED IT, HE OBEYED AND WAS WASHED!//
 
WE FERVENTLY PRAY TO YOU: GRANT UNTO US GREAT MERCY!
 
 NOW AND EVER... TONE 4
 
EATING WITH YOUR DISCIPLES, MASTER,
 
YOU REVEALED A HOLY MYSTERY TO THEM:
 
THAT YOU WOULD BE SLAIN,
 
DELIVERING US FROM CORRUPTION,//
 
FOR WE VENERATE YOUR HOLY PASSION.
 

HOLY THURSDAY: THE CANON
 
 
 
CANTICLE FOUR
 
IRMOS: FORESEEING YOUR INEFFABLE MYSTERY,
THE PROPHET FORETOLD YOU, O CHRIST:
YOU HAVE SHOWN MIGHTY LOVE, COMPASSIONATE FATHER,
BY SENDING YOUR ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON INTO THE WORLD AS ITS ATONEMENT.
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
Going to the passion
which pours forth freedom from passion to all of Adam's race,
You said to Your friends, O Christ:
I have earnestly desired to share this passover with you.
For the Father has sent me, the only-begotten Son,
into the world as its atonement.
 
Partaking of the cup,
You cried out to Your disciples, Immortal One:
No more shall I drink of the fruit of the vine,
while I am living among you.
For the Father has sent me, the only-begotten son,
into the world as its atonement.
 
You said to Your friends, O Christ,
In my Kingdom I shall drink a new vintage beyond understanding,
so that I shall be with you as God among gods.
For the Father has sent me, the only-begotten Son
into the world as its atonement.
 

HOLY THURSDAY: THE CANON
 
 
 
CANTICLE FIVE
 
IRMOS: THE APOSTLES WERE UNITED BY A BOND OF LOVE,
DEDICATED TO CHRIST, WHO RULES OVER ALL.
THEIR BEAUTIFUL FEET WERE WASHED
FOR THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE TO ALL.
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU:
 
The Wisdom of God
Who rules the ungovernable waters of the heavens,
Who tames the deeps and restrains the seas,
now pours water into a basin,
and the Master washes the feet of his servants.
 
The Master shows the disciples an example of humility;
He who wraps the vault of heaven in clouds
girds Himself with a towel;
He who holds in His hands the breath of all that exists
kneels down to wash the feet of His servants.
 

HOLY THURSDAY: THE CANON
 
 
 
CANTICLE SIX
 
IRMOS: THE FINAL ABYSS OF SINS HAS ENCOMPASSED ME.
UNABLE TO BEAR ITS WAVES, LIKE JONAH I CRY TO YOU:
LEAD ME FROM CORRUPTION, O MASTER!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU
 
You call me Lord and Teacher, disciples,
For so I am.
Therefore imitate the example which you have seen in me.
 
He who has no filth does not need to wash,
except for his feet.
And you are clean, disciples,
but not all of you.
For a mad impulse rages within one of you.
 

GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY: CANON
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 IKOS
 
Let us all approach the mystical table in fear and receive the Bread
with pure souls; and let us stay with the Master so that we may see
how He washes His disciples' feet and wipes them with a towel. Let us
do as we have seen Him do, submitting to one another and washing one
another's feet, for Christ Himself thus commanded His disciples.//
 

HOLY THURSDAY: THE CANON
 
 
 
 
CANTICLE SEVEN:
 
IRMOS: THE YOUTHS IN BABYLON
WERE NOT AFRAID OF THE FLAMING FURNACE.
WHEN CAST INTO THE MIDST OF THE FLAMES,
THEY WERE WASHED IN DEW AND SANG:
BLESSED ARE YOU, LORD GOD OF OUR FATHERS!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
Nodding his head in agreement,
Judas deliberately stirs up evil,
seeking an opportunity to hand over to condemnation the Judge
Who is Lord of all and God of our fathers.
 
Christ cried out to His friends,
One of you will betray me.
They forgot their gladness and were seized by anxiety and grief
 saying:
Tell us who it is, O God of our fathers.
 
He that boldly dips his hand in the same dish with me.
It would be better for that man if he had never passed through the
 gate of life.
Thus the God of our fathers
disclosed the one who would betray Him.
 

HOLY THURSDAY: THE CANON
 
 
 
CANTICLE EIGHT:
 
IRMOS: THE BLESSED YOUTHS IN BABYLON
BRAVED DANGERS FOR THEIR FATHERS' LAWS.
THEY IGNORED THE IGNORANT COMMAND OF THE KING.
UNITED BY A FIRE WHICH DID NOT CONSUME THEM,
THEY SANG A HYMN WORTHY OF THE ALMIGHTY:
PRAISE THE LORD, ALL WORKS OF THE LORD!
EXALT HIM THROUGHOUT ALL AGES!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
The blessed Apostles,
those guests faithfully present with the Word in Zion,
followed the Shepherd like sheep;
and united by Christ, from whom they were not parted,
they fed upon the divine Word,
crying out in thanksgiving:
Praise the Lord, all works of the Lord!
Exalt Him throughout all ages!
 
Iscariot, that man of ill-omened name,
forced from his mind the law of love,
and moved to betrayal the feet which You had washed, O Christ.
He that ate Your bread, even Your divine Body,
lifted up his heel against You,
and knew not how to cry:
Praise the Lord, all works of the Lord!
Exalt Him throughout all ages!
 
 LET US BLESS THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY
 SPIRIT, THE LORD, NOW AND EVER AND UNTO AGES OF AGES.
 AMEN.
 
Without conscience Judas accepted the Body that cleanses from sin
and the Blood that was shed for the world.
But he was not ashamed of drinking what he had sold for a price.
He was not offended at evil, and knew not how to cry:
Praise the Lord, all works of the Lord!
Exalt Him throughout all ages!
 

HOLY THURSDAY: THE CANON
 
 
 
CANTICLE NINE
 
IRMOS: COME, O FAITHFUL,
LET US ENJOY THE MASTER'S HOSPITALITY,
THE BANQUET OF IMMORTALITY.
IN THE UPPER CHAMBER WITH UPLIFTED MINDS,
LET US RECEIVE THE EXALTED WORDS OF THE WORD
WHOM WE MAGNIFY!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
Go, says the Word to His disciples,
and in the upper chamber
prepare the passover which confirms the mind
of those whom I initiate with the unleavened word of truth;
and magnify the strength of grace.
 
Before the ages the Father begot me,
His creative Wisdom.
He made me the beginning of His ways for His works,
which now have been mystically perfected.
For being by nature the uncreated Word,
I make my own the words
of that nature which I have now assumed.
 
Just as I am man in essence
and not in imagination,
so also the nature which has been united to me is God
by reason of communion.
Therefore know me, the one Christ,
who am saving those things
from which and in which I was brought forth
 
 TRIODION
GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY BRIDEGROOM MATINS
 
 THE PRAISES
 
 TONE 2
 
THE ASSEMBLY OF THE JEWS GATHERS TOGETHER
TO DELIVER TO PILATE THE MAKER AND CREATOR OF ALL.
WHAT LAWLESSNESS! WHAT FAITHLESSNESS!
THE JUDGE OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD, THEY PREPARE FOR JUDGMENT.
THE HEALER OF SUFFERING, THEY PREPARE FOR SUFFERINGS.
HOW GREAT IS YOUR MERCY!//
LONG-SUFFERING LORD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
THE TRANSGRESSOR JUDAS, LORD,
DIPPED HIS HAND IN THE PLATE WITH YOU AT SUPPER.
BUT NOW HE UNLAWFULLY STRETCHES FORTH HIS HAND FOR SILVER.
HE CALCULATED THE PRICE OF THE WOMAN'S MYRRH,
YET HE DOES NOT SHUDDER IN SELLING YOU, THE PRICELESS ONE.
HE LET THE MASTER WASH HIS FEET,
YET HE DECEITFULLY KISSES HIM IN BETRAYAL TO LAWLESS MEN.
CAST OUT FROM THE RANKS OF THE APOSTLES,
HE CASTS AWAY THE THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER,
NOT SEEING THE RESURRECTION OF THE THIRD DAY.//
BY IT, HAVE MERCY ON US!
 
JUDAS, THE TREACHEROUS DECEIVER,
WITH A DECEITFUL KISS BETRAYED THE LORD AND SAVIOR.
HE SOLD THE MASTER AS A SLAVE TO LAWLESS MEN.
AND THE LAMB OF GOD, THE SON OF THE FATHER,
THE ONLY GREATLY MERCIFUL ONE,//
WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER.
 
SERVANT AND DECEIVER,
DISCIPLE AND BETRAYER, FRIEND AND DEVIL,
JUDAS HAS BEEN REVEALED BY HIS DEEDS.
WHILE FOLLOWING THE MASTER, HE PLOTTED HIS BETRAYAL.
HE SAID TO HIMSELF: I SHALL BETRAY HIM AND GAIN THE PURSE.
HE SOUGHT TO HAVE THE MYRRH SOLD
AND BY DECEIT TO HAVE JESUS SEIZED.
HE GAVE THE KISS AND GAVE UP THE CHRIST.
BUT LIKE A SHEEP LED TO THE SLAUGHTER,//
SO WENT THE ONLY COMPASSIONATE LOVER OF MANKIND.
 
 GNE...
 
THE LAMB WHOM ISAIAH PROCLAIMED
GOES WILLINGLY TO THE SLAUGHTER.
HE GIVES HIS BACK TO SCOURGING, HIS CHEEKS TO BUFFETING.
HE DOES NOT TURN HIS FACE FROM THE SHAME OF SPITTING.
HE IS CONDEMNED TO A SHAMEFUL DEATH.
HE WHO IS SINLESS WILLINGLY SUBMITS TO ALL,//
TO GRANT TO ALL THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD.
 
 TRIODION
GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY BRIDEGROOM MATINS
 
 APOSTIKHA
 
  TONE 8
 
TODAY THE EVIL ASSEMBLY GATHERS AGAINST THE CHRIST
AND DEVISES FALSE CHARGES AGAINST HIM,
TO DELIVER THE INNOCENT ONE OVER TO PILATE TO DIE.
TODAY JUDAS SETS UP FOR HIMSELF THE GALLOWS OF WEALTH,
ABANDONING BOTH EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY LIFE.
TODAY CAIAPHAS PROPHESIES UNWITTINGLY, SAYING:
IT IS EXPEDIENT THAT ONE MAN SHOULD DIE FOR THE PEOPLE.
FOR TRULY CHRIST CAME TO SUFFER FOR OUR SINS,
TO FREE US FROM BONDAGE TO THE ENEMY,//
FOR HE IS GOOD AND LOVES MANKIND.
 
 VERSE: He who ate of my bread has lifted his heel
 against me.
 
TODAY JUDAS ABANDONS ALL PRETENSE OF LOVE FOR THE POOR.
NOT CARING FOR THEM, HE ASSUMES THE VERY SHAPE OF GREED.
INSTEAD OF SELLING THE SINFUL WOMAN'S MYRRH,
HE SELLS THE ANOINTED ONE OF GOD AND STEALS THE PROCEEDS.
HE RUNS TO THE LAWLESS JEWS AND ASKS:
WHAT WILL YOU GIVE ME IF I BETRAY HIM TO YOU?
CURSED BE THE TRAITOR'S LOVE OF SILVER!
HE LOWERS THE PRICE AND BARGAINS LIKE: A TRADER.
HE SELLS JESUS LIKE A RUNAWAY SLAVE, NOT ASKING MUCH.
FOR THIEVES NEVER REGARD THE VALUE OF PRECIOUS THINGS;
NOW THE DISCIPLE CASTS HOLY THINGS TO THE DOGS.
MADDENED WITH AVARICE, HE HOWLS AGAINST THE MASTER.
LET US FLEE FROM HIS EXAMPLE AND CRY://
LONG-SUFFERING LORD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
 VERSE: When he goes out, he tells it abroad.
 
YOUR LIFE, LAWLESS JUDAS, IS FILLED WITH DECEIT.
SICK WITH AVARICE, YOU GAINED THE CONTEMPT OF ALL MEN.
IF YOU DESIRED WEALTH, WHY DID YOU FOLLOW HIM WHO TAUGHT POVERTY?
IF YOU LOVED THE PRICELESS ONE, WHY DID YOU SELL HIM?
WHY DID YOU HAND HIM OVER TO BE MURDERED?
SHUDDER, SUN! EARTH, LAMENT AND CRY WITH FEAR://
LONG-SUFFERING LORD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
 VERSE: He utters lawless words against me.
 
LET NO ONE BE IGNORANT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER, BELIEVERS.
LET NO ONE APPROACH THE BANQUET WITH DECEIT LIKE JUDAS,
FOR HE RECEIVED A MORSEL, YET ABANDONED THE BREAD OF LIFE.
HE LOOKED LIKE A DISCIPLE, BUT IN FACT HE WAS A MURDERER.
HE LIVED WITH THE APOSTLES, BUT HE REJOICED WITH THE JEWS.
WITH HATRED HE KISSED, AND WITH A KISS HE SOLD GOD,//
WHO HAD REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE, THE SAVIOR OF OUR SOULS.
 
 GLORY...
 
YOUR LIFE, LAWLESS JUDAS...

HOLY THURSDAY MATINS APOSTIKHA (continued) page two
 
 
 NOW AND EVER... TONE 5
 
INSTRUCTING YOUR DISCIPLES IN THE MYSTERY, LORD,
YOU SAID TO THEM:
MY BELOVED, SEE THAT NO FEAR SEPARATES YOU FROM ME.
THOUGH I SUFFER, IT IS FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD.
LET ME NOT BE A CAUSE OF SCANDAL TO YOU.
I CAME, NOT TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE,
TO GIVE MYSELF FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THE WORLD.
IF YOU ARE MY FRIENDS, THEN IMITATE ME.
LET THE FIRST AMONG YOU BE THE LAST.
LET THE MASTER BE LIKE THE SERVANT.//
ABIDE IN ME AND BEAR FRUIT, FOR I AM THE VINE OF LIFE.
 
 
 TRIODION
GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY THE BRIDEGROOM
 
 
 KONTAKION TONE 2
 
WITH HIS HANDS THE BETRAYER RECEIVES THE BREAD;
 
WITH HIS HANDS HE SECRETLY RECEIVES THE SILVER,
 
THE PRICE OF HIM WHO FASHIONED MAN WITH HIS HANDS;//
 
SO THE SERVANT AND DECEIVER JUDAS REMAINS DEPRAVED.
 
 
 TRIODION
GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY BRIDEGROOM VESPERS
 
 LORD I CALL...
 
 TONE 2
 
THE ASSEMBLY OF THE JEWS GATHERS TOGETHER
TO DELIVER TO PILATE THE MAKER AND CREATOR OF ALL.
WHAT LAWLESSNESS! WHAT FAITHLESSNESS!
THE JUDGE OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD, THEY PREPARE FOR JUDGMENT.
THE HEALER OF SUFFERING, THEY PREPARE FOR SUFFERINGS.
HOW GREAT IS YOUR MERCY!//
LONG-SUFFERING LORD, GLORY TO YOU! (twice)
 
THE TRANSGRESSOR JUDAS, LORD,
DIPPED HIS HAND IN THE PLATE WITH YOU AT SUPPER.
BUT NOW HE UNLAWFULLY STRETCHES FORTH HIS HAND FOR SILVER.
HE CALCULATED THE PRICE OF THE WOMAN'S MYRRH,
YET HE DOES NOT SHUDDER IN SELLING YOU, THE PRICELESS ONE.
HE LET THE MASTER WASH HIS FEET,
YET HE DECEITFULLY KISSES HIM IN BETRAYAL TO LAWLESS MEN.
CAST OUT FROM THE RANKS OF THE APOSTLES,
HE CASTS AWAY THE THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER,
NOT SEEING THE RESURRECTION OF THE THIRD DAY.//
BY IT, HAVE MERCY ON US! (twice)
 
JUDAS, THE TREACHEROUS DECEIVER,
WITH A DECEITFUL KISS BETRAYED THE LORD AND SAVIOR.
HE SOLD THE MASTER AS A SLAVE TO LAWLESS MEN.
AND THE LAMB OF GOD, THE SON OF THE FATHER,
THE ONLY GREATLY MERCIFUL ONE,//
WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER. (twice)
 
SERVANT AND DECEIVER,
DISCIPLE AND BETRAYER, FRIEND AND DEVIL,
JUDAS HAS BEEN REVEALED BY HIS DEEDS.
WHILE FOLLOWING THE MASTER, HE PLOTTED HIS BETRAYAL.
HE SAID TO HIMSELF: I SHALL BETRAY HIM AND GAIN THE PURSE.
HE SOUGHT TO HAVE THE MYRRH SOLD
AND BY DECEIT TO HAVE JESUS SEIZED.
HE GAVE THE KISS AND GAVE UP THE CHRIST.
BUT LIKE A SHEEP LED TO THE SLAUGHTER,//
SO WENT THE ONLY COMPASSIONATE LOVER OF MANKIND. (twice)
 
THE LAMB WHOM ISAIAH PROCLAIMED
GOES WILLINGLY TO THE SLAUGHTER.
HE GIVES HIS BACK TO SCOURGING, HIS CHEEKS TO BUFFETING.
HE DOES NOT TURN HIS FACE FROM THE SHAME OF SPITTING.
HE IS CONDEMNED TO A SHAMEFUL DEATH.
HE WHO IS SINLESS WILLINGLY SUBMITS TO ALL,//
TO GRANT TO ALL THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD. (twice)

HOLY THURSDAY LORD I CALL (continued) page two
 
 
 GNE... TONE 6
 
TODAY JUDAS IS DESCENDED FROM THOSE VIPERS
WHO ATE MANNA IN THE WILDERNESS
YET MURMURED AGAINST HIM WHO NOURISHED THEM.
FOR WHILE THE FOOD WAS STILL IN THEIR MOUTHS,
THOSE UNGRATEFUL MEN REVILED GOD.
SO TOO THIS GODLESS MAN,
WHILE STILL BEARING IN HIS MOUTH THE HEAVENLY BREAD,
CONTRIVED THE BETRAYAL OF THE SAVIOR.
WHAT GREEDY PURPOSE!
WHAT INHUMAN INSOLENCE!
HE SELLS HIM WHO NOURISHED HIM.
HE DELIVERS TO DEATH THE MASTER WHOM HE LOVED.
TRULY THIS LAWLESS MAN IS THEIR SON.
WITH THEM WILL HE INHERIT PERDITION.
SPARE OUR SOULS OF SUCH INHUMANITY,//
ONLY LORD OF BOUNDLESS MERCY.