Lenten Services, Readings, and the Saint of the Day

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Part 1: 6th Hour and Vespers Readings

Third Sunday of Great Lent

MATINS (VI)

Luke 24:36-53

36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them. 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

LITURGY OF ST. BASIL

Hebrews 4:14-5:6

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Mark 8:34-9:1

Part 2: Saint of the Day!

PROPHET JOAD (X CENT. BC).

DISCIPLES OF THE SEVENTY: SOSTHENES, APOLLOS, CEPHAS, CAESARIUS AND EPAPHRODITES (I).

MONK JOHN OF THE LADDER (LESTVICHNIK; KLIMATIKOS; CLIMATICUS) (+ 649).

SAINTED SOPHRONII, BISHOP OF IRKUTSK (+ 1771).

SAINT EUBOLA, MOTHER OF THE GREATMARTYR PANTELEIMON (+ C. 303).

MONK JOHN THE SILENT (VI).

MONK ZOSIMA, BISHOP OF SYRACUSE (+ C. 662).

PRIESTMARTYR ZACHARIAS, BISHOP OF CORINTH (+ 1684).

The Holy Prophet Joad came from Samaria and prophesied during the X Century before the Birth of Christ. It gives an account about him in the 13th Chapter of Book 3 of Kings. The prophet was sent by the Lord from Judea to Bethel to denounce the Israelite king Jereboam for polluting his nation with idol-worship. The Lord commanded the prophet: "There neither eat bread nor drink water, nor return upon thine path, whereof thou comest" (3 Kings 13: 9). The prophet Joad appeared to king Jereboam and prophesied to him concerning the wrath of the Lord. When the king tried to give a signal with his hand to seize hold of the prophet, his hand suddenly became withered. The king entreated the prophet to pray to the Lord for the healing of his hand, and through the prayer he received healing. Having turned back, the prophet Joad disobeyed the command given him by the Lord, and he tasted of the food put before him by the false-prophet Emba. Because of this the prophet Joad was killed by a lion, but his body remained untouched and was buried near the abode of the false-prophet who led him astray.

The Holy Disciples from the Seventy: Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesarius and Epaphrodites. The Disciple Sosthenes before his conversion was head of the Corinthian synagogue. The Apostle Paul converted him to Christianity and made him his helper in his work. In addressing the Corinthian Church, the apostle Paul sent greetings to it from both of them: "Paul, by the will of God called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, and brother Sosthenes..." (1 Cor 1: 1). Afterwards, the holy disciple Sosthenes was made bishop at Colophon (Asia Minor).

In the Acts of the holy Apostles it tells the following about the holy Disciple Apollos: "A certain Jew, by the name of Apollos, born at Alexandria, eloquent and conversant with Scripture, came to Ephesus. He was instructed in the fundamentals of the way of the Lord and, being fervent of spirit, he spoke and taught about the Lord rightly, knowing only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. Hearing him, Aquila and Priscilla took him and more precisely explained to him the way of the Lord. And when he resolved to go to Achaeia, the brethren then wrote to the disciples of that place, urging them to receive him; and he, having come thither, much assisted those believing by grace, since he powerfully confuted the Jews in public, shewing by the Scriptures, that Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 18: 24-28). Saint Apollos much assisted the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul speaks thus about the spread of Christianity among the Corinthians: "I sowed, Apollos watered, but God did grow it" (1 Cor 3: 6). Saint Apollos was later bishop at Smyrna (Asia Minor).

The holy Disciple Cephas was according to tradition bishop at Iconium. Accounts about him have not been preserved. It is presumed, that it is about him that the Apostle Paul makes mention (1 Cor 15: 5).

The holy Disciple Epaphrodites was a companion of the Apostle Paul who, having sent him to the Philippian christians, speaks thus about his own hard work on the field of Christ: "...I am honoured to send you of necessity Epaphrodites, my brother and co-worker and companion, your messenger and servant in my need... he was sick nigh to death; but God had mercy on him, and not only him but also me, so as not to add sorrow upon sorrow for me... Accept him in the Lord with all joy, and so hold him in esteem, since for the work of Christ was near death, subjecting life to peril, so as to make up the insufficiency of your service to me" (Phil 2: 25-30). Saint Epaphrodites was bishop at Adrianium (Italy). The commemoration of these holy disciples is also [8 December] and contained as well in the Sobor / Assemblage of the 70 Disciples on 4 January.

The Monk John of the Ladder (Lestvichnik; Klimatikos; Climaticus) is honoured by Holy Church as a great ascetic and author of the reknown spiritual work called "The Ladder", whereby the monk likewise received the title "of-the-Ladder" [Lestvichnik (Slav.); Klimatikos (Grk.); Climaticus (Lat.)].

About the origins of the monk John there is almost no account preserved. Tradition suggests, that he was born about the year 570, and was the son of Saints Xenophones and Maria, -- whose is celebrated by the Church on 26 January. The sixteen year old lad John arrived at the Sinai monastery. Abba Martyrios became instructor and guide of the monk. After four years of living on Sinai, Saint John Lestvichnik was vowed into monasticism. One of those present at the taking of vows, -- Abba Stratigios, predicted, that he was set to become a great luminary in the Church of Christ. Over the course of 19 years the monk John pursued asceticism in obedience to his spiritual father. After the death of abba Martyrios the monk John chose an hermit's life, settling into a wild place called Tholos, where he spent 40 years in deeds of silence, fasting, prayer and tears of penitence. It is not by chance that in "The Ladder" the monk John speaks thus about tears of repentance: "Just as fire burns and destroys firewood, so thus do pure tears wash away all impurity, both outer and inner". His holy prayer was strong and efficacious, as evidenced from an example from the life of the God-pleasing saint.

The Monk John had a student, the monk Moses. One time the instructor ordered his student to bring ground to the garden for bedding. Having fulfilled the obedience, the monk Moses lay down to rest under the shade of a large rock, because of the strong heat of summer. The monk John Lestvichnik was at this time in his cell resting after a prayerful labour. Suddenly a man of remarkable appearance appeared to him and, having roused the holy ascetic, said to him in reproach: "Why dost thou, John, rest peacefully here, when Moses is in danger?" The monk John immediately woke up and began to pray for his student. When his disciple returned in the evening, the monk asked, whether some sort of woe had befallen him. The monk answered: "No, but I was exposed to great danger. A large fragment of stone, having broken off from the rock under which I had fallen asleep at mid-day, just barely missed me. By luck, I had a dream that thou wast calling me, and I woke up and started to run off, and at that very moment the huge stone fell with a crash on that very spot, from which I had fled..."

About the manner of life of the monk John is known, that he nourished himself by such as what is not prohibited a fasting life by the ustav, but -- in moderation. He did not spend the night without sleep, although he slept not much, only as much as was necessary for keeping up his strength, so that by an unceasing vigilance he would not destroy the mind. "I do not fast excessively, -- said he about himself, -- nor do I give myself over to intense all-night vigil, nor lay upon the ground, but restrain myself..., and the Lord soon saved me". The following example of humility of the monk John Lestvichnik is noteworthy. Gifted with a deeply penetrating mind, and having become wise by profound spiritual experience, he lovingly received all who came to him so as to guide them to salvation. But when there appeared some who through envy reproached him with loquacity, which they explained away as vanity, the monk John then gave himself over to silence so as not to give cause for blame, and he kept silence for the space of a year. The envious realised their error and they themselves returned to the ascetic with the request not to deprive them of the spiritual profit of his conversation.

Concealing his ascetic deeds from people, the monk John sometimes withdrew into a cave, but accounts of his holiness spread far beyond the locality: incessantly there came to him visitors from every rank and calling, wanting to hear his words of edification and salvation. At age 75, after forty years of ascetic striving in solitude, the monk was chosen as hegumen of the Sinai monastery. For about four years the monk John Lestvichnik governed the holy Sinai monastery. Towards the end of his life, the Lord granted the monk grace-bearing gifts of perspicacity and wonderworking.

During the time of his governing the monastery, -- at the request of the hegumen of the Raipha monastery Saint John (Comm. on Cheesefare Saturday), there was written for the monks the reknown "Ladder", -- an instruction for rising to spiritual perfection. Knowing about the wisdom and spiritual gifts of the monk, the Raipha hegumen on behalf of all the monks of his monastery requested him to write down for them "a true instruction for those following after invariably, and as such would be a ladder of affirmation, which would lead those wishing it to the Heavenly gates..." The monk John, noted for his humble opinion about himself, was at first perplexed, but afterwards out of obedience he set about fulfilling the request of the Raipha monks. The monk thus also named his work -- "The Ladder", and explained the title in the following manner: "I have constructed a ladder of ascent... from the earthly to the holy... in the form of the thirty years of age for the Lord's maturity, symbolically I have constructed a ladder of 30 steps, by which, having attained the Lord's age, we find ourselves with the righteous and secure from falling down". The purpose of this work, is to teach -- that the reaching of salvation requires difficult self-denial and demanding ascetic deeds. "The Ladder" presupposes, first, a cleansing from the impurity of sin, the eradication of vices and passions in the old man; second, the restoration in man of the image of God. Although the book was written for monks, any christian living in the world receives from it the hope of guidance for ascent to God, and a support for spiritual life. The Monks Theodore the Studite (Comm. 11 November and 26 January), Sergei of Radonezh (Comm. 25 September and 5 July), Joseph of Volokolamsk (Comm. 9 September and 18 October), and others -- in their instructions relied on "The Ladder" as an important book for salvific guidance.

The content of one of the steps of "The Ladder" (the 22nd) discusses the ascetic deed of the destruction of vainglory. The monk John writes: "Vanity springs out in front of each virtue. When, for example, I keep a fast -- I am given over to vanity, and when I in concealing the fasting from others permit myself food, I am again given over to vanity -- by my prudence. Dressing up in bright clothing, I am vanquished by love of honour and, having changed over into drab clothing -- I am overcome by vanity. If I stand up to speak -- I fall under the power of vanity. If I wish to keep silence, I am again given over to it. Wherever this thorn comes up, it everywhere stands with its points upwards. It is vainglorious..., on the surface to honour God, and in deed to strive to please people rather than God... People of lofty spirit bear insult placidly and willingly, but to hear praise and feel nothing of pleasure is possible only for the saints and for the unblameworthy... When thou hearest, that thy neighbour or friend either afront the eyes or behind the eyes slandereth thee, praise and love him... Does this not shew humility, and who can reproach himself, and be intolerant with himself? But who, having been discredited by another, would not diminish in his love for him... Whoever is exalted by natural gifts -- a felicitous mind, a fine education, reading, pleasant elocution and other similar qualities, which are readily enough acquired, that person might yet never obtain to supernatural gifts. Wherefore whoever is not faithful in the small things, that one also is not faithful in the large, and is vainglorous. It often happens, that God Himself humbles the vainglorious, sending a sudden misfortune... If prayer does not destroy a proud thought, we bring to mind the leaving of the soul from this life. And if this does not help, we threaten it with the shame of the Last Judgement. "Rising up to humble oneself" even here, before the future age. When praisers, or better -- flatterers, start to praise us, immediately we betake ourselves to recollection of all our iniquities and we find, that we are not at all worth that which they impute to us".

This and other examples, located in "The Ladder", offer us an image of this saint's zealousness about his own salvation, which is necessary for each person who wishes to live piously. It is a written account of his thought, the collective fruit of many and also of his refined observation from his own soul and his own profound spiritual experience. It reveals itself as a guide and great help on the way to truth and good.

The steps of "The Ladder" -- this proceeding from strength to strength on the path of man's proclivity to perfection, is not something suddenly but rather gradually to be reached, as in the saying of the Saviour: "The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by strength, and those utilising strength shalt delight of it" (Mt 11: 12).

Sainted Sophronii, Bishop of Irkutsk and WonderWorker of all Siberia, known under the family-name Kristalevsky, was born in Malorussia in the Chernigov region in 1704. His father, Nazarii Fedorovich, was "a common man in his affairs, and Sophronii they named Stefan", in honour of the first-martyr archdeacon Stephen. He had two brothers and a sister Pelagia. The name of one brother was Paul. The name of the other older brother is unknown, but there is an account, that he was afterwards head of the Krasnogorsk Zolotonoshsk monastery.

The childhood years of Stefan were spent in the settlement of Berezan' in the Pereyaslavl' district of the Poltava governance, where the family settled after the father's discharge from service. When he came of age, Stefan entered the Kiev Theological Academy, where at the time studied two other future sainted-hierarchs -- Joasaph, future bishop of Belgorod (Comm. 4 September and 10 December), and Paul, future metropolitan of Tobol'sk.

Having received a religious education, Stefan entered the Krasnogorsk Transfiguration monastery (afterwards changed to Pokrov / Protection monastery, and in 1789 transformed into a women's monastery), where his elder brother already pursued ascetic life. On 23 April 1730 he took monastic vows with the name of Sophronii, -- honour of Saint Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem (Comm. 11 March).

On the night after his taking of monastic vows, the monk Sophronii heard a Voice in the Pokrov church: "When thou shalt become bishop, raise up a church in the name of All Saints", -- predicting of his future service. After two years, in 1732, they summoned him to Kiev, in the Sophia cathedral of which they ordained him to the dignity of monkdeacon, and then to priestmonk. Concerning the following period of the life of Saint Sophronii, it says the following in his service-form: "After having taken vows he was treasurer at that Zolotonoshsk monastery for two years, and then he was taken by decree of His Grace Arsenii Berlov of the Pereyaslavl' diocese into the house of his archbishop, in which he was steward for 8 years subject to the Alexander Nevsky monastery, from which during the course of those years he was sent to Saint-Peterburg on hierarchical business, for which in advocacy he spent two years".

These facts testify readily enough to the connections of the saint with his original Pokrovsk monastery. During his obedience under the presiding hierarch at Pereyaslavl', he often visited at his monastery, spending the day in quiet contemplation and work, giving example in the making of a monastic brother.

During the time of priestmonk Sophronii's sojourn on hierarchical business to the Synod, they showed particular attention to him. And when it became necessary to increase the brethren at the Alexander Nevsky monastery in Saint Peterburg, -- 29 monks then in number having been summoned from various monasteries in Russia, in January 1742 was summoned also the future saint. A year later they appointed him treasurer of the monastery, and in 1746 he was appointed to the office of head of the monastery, which he fulfilled for seven years more.

For helping him he summoned his fellow countryman, a native of the city of Priluk, -- the priestmonk Synesii, and made him the organiser of the Novo-Sergiev monastery, which was associated with the Alexander Nevsky monastery. From this period of time the friendship of the two ascetics, -- priestmonk Sophronii and priestmonk Synesii -- was strengthened into a single pastoral effort, and they were inseparable until their end in the Siberian land. During these years Saint Sophronii laboured much at the managing of the monastery and improvement of teaching at the seminary located near it. Together with Archbishop Theodosii he concerned himself with the needs of adding to the monastic library.

A two-level church was built by him: the top -- in the name of Saint Theodore Yaroslavich, older brother of Saint Alexander Nevsky; and the lower -- in the name of Saint John Chrysostom.

In 1747 the bishop of Irkutsk, Innokentii II (Nerunovich) died. For six years afterwards the territory of the Irkutsk diocese remained without a spiritual head.

Finally, the empress Elizaveta Petrovichna (1741-1761) by decree on 23 February 1753 recommended to the Holy Synod the pious head of the Alexander Nevsky monastery Sophronii, as "a person, not only worthy of bishop's dignity, but also quite entirely able to fulfill the wishes and the hopes of the state and the Synod -- to take up the burden of episcopal service on the far frontier and satisfy the needs of his flock in that harsh land, amidst wild primitives and lawless people".

On 18 April 1753, Thomas Sunday, priestmonk Sophronii was ordained bishop of Irkutsk and Nerchinsk in the Great Uspensky cathedral.

Foreseeing difficult service on the distant Siberian frontier, the newly-established bishop did not immediately set off to the Irkutsk eparchy, but rather began to gather up educated and spiritually experienced co-workers. During this period Saint Sophronii visited at his original Krasnogorsk monastery. Also at the holy places of Kiev, he sought the blessings of the Kievo-Perchersk Saints for his service. The constant companion of the saint, just as before, was the priestmonk Synesii, ardently sharing in the life's work of his friend.

At Moscow, the Archbishop of Moscow and Sevsk Platon, -- who participated in the ordination of then priestmonk Sophronii, provided him further assistance. He taught him fatherly precepts for his impending task, since he was quite familiar with the peculiarities of the Siberian religious manner of life, he forewarned him about the self-willed local authorities, and advised him to gather together trustworthy helpers.

On 20 March 1754 the saint arrived at Irkutsk. He went at first to the Ascension monastery -- the place of residence of his predecessor, and prayed at the grave of bishop Innokentii (Kul'chitz), imploring his blessing on his impending task.

Having familiarised himself with the state of affairs in the diocese, the saint set about the re-organisation of the Spiritual consistory, monasteries and parishes, and turned to the Holy Synod with an appeal to dispatch worthy people for priestly service to the Irkutsk eparchy.

Before the arrival of Sainted Sophronii, the Irkutsk monasteries had already a century-old history. The founders of these monasteries were motivated by a fervent desire for ascetic monastic life. The sagacious sainted-bishop appointed as heads of the monastic communities people of piety, wisdom, virtue, and with great experience both of life and things spiritual. In 1754 His Grace Sophronii raised up his friend and companion priestmonk Synesii to be archimandrite of Ascension monastery. This memorable monastic head served the monastery for thirty-three years until his blessed end. In September 1754 the sainted-bishop issued an ukaz (decree), in which concern was noted for the education and upbringing of the children of clergy. By his ukaz to the clergy he considered as a duty the education of their children in the Chasoslov, the Psalter, singing and letters, and this instruction "ought to happen with all industriousness and extremest diligence, so that the children might be able to accomplish the responsibilities of sacristan and deacon according to their due ability".

Studying closely both people and circumstances, the sainted-bishop in his sermons and conversations incessantly exhorted all to an higher moral ideal. He devoted particular attention to the reverent and correct doing of Divine-services and priestly Sacraments, and he also watched after the moral purity of laymen; he was concerned about the position of women in the family, and defended them against their unjust inequality. The sainted-bishop attempted everywhere to set straight the ustav (rule) of Divine-services, for which purpose he summoned to himself priests, deacons, sub-deacons and sacristans, who during the time of hierarchical Divine-services participated in the choir or sub-deacons.

Journeying about the diocese, the saint noted that not everywhere was the proper attention given to the ringing of bells and incensing, and therefore by means of ukaz he restored the proper censing and ringing of bells.

Called to apostolic service in this frontier region, Sainted Sophronii realised, that in addition to the enlightening of believing christians, it availed him to bring to the faith idol-worshippers, who were very numerous in Siberia.

To bring pagans to the Church of Christ was difficult, especially since from time to time there was no one to serve in churches, and to borrow for missionary activity made matters all the worse. Knowing how that the hierarchical Divine-services would have a salutary effect on non-Russians, the saint not only himself served with reverence, but also required it of all his clergy.

Sainted Sophronii concerned himself over the manner of life of the lesser nations and he contributed to the developement of a stable culture among the local people. He offered them monastic lands for settlements and in every way he endeavoured to isolate them from the influence of paganism. A throng of visitors constantly arrived and came from faraway places for a blessing.

But amidst his many cares, he did not forget about his inner spiritual life and eternity -- he also led an ascetic life. There is preserved an account about this from the cell-attendant of Sainted Sophronii, which relates, that the saint "used food simple and in small quantity, he served quite often, spent the greater part of the night at prayer, slept on the floor under a sheepskin or if fur -- a deerskin or bear hide, and a small simple pillow -- this was all his bedding for a sleep of short duration".

The spirit of his ascetic life fit in with the general uplift of the Christian spirit in Russia following the glorification of Sainted Dimitrii of Rostov (Comm. 21 September), Theodosii of Chernigov (Comm. 9 September), and in particular the uncovering of the undecayed relics of his predecessor -- Sainted Innokentii of Irkutsk (Comm. 9 February). This event inspired Sainted Sophronii with greater strength and encouraged his hope for the help of Sainted Innokentii in his task of building up the diocese.

Until the end of his days Sainted Sophronii kept his love for the Krasnogorsk Zolotonoshsk monastery, which had nurtured him in the days of his youth. He constantly contributed support for its upkeep, sending off the necessary means for this.

Having sensed a deterioration in his health, Sainted Sophronii made a petition to the Synod to discharge him for rest. But they tarried with an answer from Peterburg, since it was difficult to immediately choose a worthy successor.

The final days in the life of Sainted Sophronii were spent in prayerful asceticism.

The light, which shone on the good deeds of Sainted Sophronii, continues to the present to testify to the glory of the Heavenly Father, "mercifully having strengthened His saints". And now not only in Siberia at the place of his final deeds, but also at the place of his first deeds, there is reverently preserved the holy memory of Sainted Sophronii.

A second commemoration of Sainted Sophronii is made on 30 June (glorification, 1918).

Saint Eubola, Mother of the GreatMartyr Panteleimon (Comm. 27 July), died peacefully in about the year 303 before the martyrdom of her son.

The Monk John the Silent -- Bishop of the city of Koloneia, was an exemplary example of a good Christian life for his flock. Persecuted by the governor, he was deprived of the archbishop's cathedra and withdrew to the monastery of Saint Sava the Sanctified, where he was glorified in ascetic deeds of silence, prayer, and dwelling in the wilderness. The monk died at age 104 (+ 558).

Sainted Zosima, Bishop of Syracuse, was born through the fervent prayers of his parents, who were long without children. When their son reached seven years of age, his parents sent him for education to a monastery, where the holy ascetic at the age of maturity took monastic vows and for forty years governed the monastery. Pope Theodore (641-649) ordained him bishop of Syracuse.

Sainted Zosima distinguished himself by his charity and lack of avarice, and led his flock firmly by word and by example. Towards the end of his life Sainted Zosima fell grievously ill, but endured his suffering with magnanimity and humility. He died in about the year 662, after leading his flock for 13 years. Afterwards many of the sick received healing by a single touch to his tomb.

PriestMartyr Zacharias, Bishop of Corinth, suffered for Christ under the Turks in 1684. The Turk-mussulmans accused him of secret correspondence with the Franks (French), whom the saint supposedly would have appealed to and promised to aid them seize the city. The moslems in a rage fell upon the Christian bishop and, shackled in chains and subjected to beatings, they led him to trial. The judge without interrogation demanded that Sainted Zacharias accept Islam and, when he heard the negative answer of the bishop, he gave orders for him to be beaten without mercy. They then locked up the confessor of Christ in prison, where the mahometan fanatics did not cease with beating the martyr. The Priestmartyr Zacharias was beheaded on the third Sunday following the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross.

---

Part 3: Matins and Vespers

 TRIODION
THIRD WEEK OF LENT SUNDAY MATINS
 
  THE CANON TONE 1 (By Theodore the Studite)
 
CANTICLE ONE:
 
IRMOS: THIS IS THE DAY OF RESURRECTION:
LET US BE ILLUMINED, O PEOPLE!
PASCHA, THE PASCHA OF THE LORD!
FOR FROM DEATH TO LIFE, AND FROM EARTH TO HEAVEN
HAS CHRIST OUR GOD LED US,
AS WE SING THE SONG OF VICTORY!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
This is a festival day:
at the awakening of Christ, death has fled away;
The light of life has dawned;
Adam has risen and dances for joy!
Therefore let us cry aloud and sing a song of victory!
 
This is the day of the veneration of the Precious Cross:
now it is brought before us,
shining with the brightness of Christ's Resurrection!
Let us all draw near
and kiss it with great rejoicing in our souls!
 
Mighty Cross of the Lord,
manifest yourself, showing me the divine vision of your beauty!
Grant that I may worthily venerate you,
for I speak to you and embrace you as alive!
 
Let earth and heaven give praise with one accord,
for the all-blessed Cross is now set out before us all.
Christ's Body was nailed there when He was offered in sacrifice:
Let us venerate it with great rejoicing in our souls!
 
 GLORY...
 
Trinity of Persons, Unity of Essence,
Father, Son and Spirit,
equal in might, one in will and purpose, rule and dominion:
watch over Your world and grant it peace!
 
 NOW AND EVER...
 
You conceived without seed, unwedded Virgin:
the birth is pure and sinless!
The Child you bear is the Maker of all, Christ our God.
Entreat Him to grant peace to the world!
 
KATAVASIA: MOSES, THE SERVANT OF GOD,
PREFIGURED YOUR CROSS IN DAYS OF OLD,
DIVIDING THE RED SEA WITH HIS ROD
AND LEADING ISRAEL ACROSS ON DRY LAND;
SINGING A SONG OF DELIVERANCE TO YOU, O CHRIST OUR GOD!

THIRD SUNDAY: CANON PAGE TWO
 
CANTICLE THREE:
 
IRMOS: COME, LET US DRINK,
NOT MIRACULOUS WATER DRAWN FROM A BARREN STONE,
BUT A NEW VINTAGE FROM THE FOUNT OF INCORRUPTION
SPRINGING FROM THE TOMB OF CHRIST:
IN HIM WE ARE ESTABLISHED!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
Come, let us sing a new song
to celebrate the conquering of hell,
for Christ is risen from the tomb;
He has taken death captive, saving the whole world!
 
Come, all faithful, let us drink,
not from a well of earthly water that passes away,
but as we venerate the Cross of Christ,
let us drink from the fountain of light,
for His Cross is our glory!
 
Now as we venerate Your Cross,
which Moses once prefigured with his outstretched arms,
we put to flight the invisible Amalek, O Christ our Master,
and so we gain salvation!
 
Faithful, let us joyfully venerate the Cross of the Lord
with pure eyes and lips,
singing a song of exultation!
 
 GLORY...
 
I honor one God without beginning,
three in Persons but undivided in Essence:
the Father, the Son and the Spirit of life,
in whose Name we were baptized!
 
 NOW AND EVER...
 
Moses saw your mystery prefigured in the bush
in days of old, holy Virgin:
as the flames did not consume it,
so the fire of the Godhead did not consume your womb.
 
KATAVASIA: THROUGH YOUR CROSS, CHRIST MY MASTER,
ESTABLISH ME FIRMLY ON THE ROCK OF FAITH:
THAT MY MIND MAY NOT BE SHAKEN BY THE ASSAULTS OF THE EVIL ENEMY,
FOR YOU ALONE ARE HOLY!
 
 SESSIONAL HYMNS TONE 6
 
LORD, YOUR CROSS IS HOLY,
BRINGING SALVATION TO THOSE WHO ARE SICK THROUGH THEIR SINS.
AS WE VENERATE IT, WE FALL BEFORE YOU://
HAVE MERCY ON US!
 
 VERSE: Extol the Lord our God; worship at His footstool, for
 it is holy!

THIRD SUNDAY: CANON PAGE THREE
 
LORD, TODAY THE WORDS OF THE PROPHET ARE FULFILLED:
FOR BEHOLD, WE WORSHIP WHERE YOUR FEET HAVE STOOD.
TASTING FROM THE TREE OF SALVATION,
ONLY LOVER OF MANKIND,
WE HAVE BEEN DELIVERED FROM OUR SINFUL PASSIONS//
AT THE INTERCESSIONS OF THE THEOTOKOS.
 
 GLORY...
 
AT THE SETTING UP OF THE WOOD OF THE CROSS,
THE FOUNDATIONS OF DEATH WERE SHAKEN, CHRIST OUR LORD!
HELL SWALLOWED YOU EAGERLY,
BUT CAST YOU FORTH WITH TREMBLING!
YOU HAVE SHOWN US YOUR SALVATION, HOLY ONE!//
WE GLORIFY YOU, SON OF GOD; HAVE MERCY ON US
 
 NOW AND EVER... (Theotokion)
 
VIRGIN THEOTOKOS, YOUR SON, CHRIST OUR GOD,
WAS NAILED OF HIS OWN WILL UPON THE CROSS!
HE HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD://
PRAY TO HIM FOR THE SALVATION OF OUR SOULS!
 
 
CANTICLE FOUR:
 
IRMOS: THE INSPIRED PROPHET HABAKKUK NOW STANDS WITH US IN HOLY
 VIGIL.
HE IS LIKE A SHINING ANGEL WHO CRIES WITH A PIERCING VOICE:
TODAY SALVATION HAS COME TO THE WORLD,
FOR CHRIST IS RISEN AS ALL POWERFUL!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
Behold, Christ is risen! said the angel to the Myrrh-bearing women!
Do not lament, but go and say to the apostles:
Rejoice, for today is the world's salvation!
The tyranny of the enemy has been destroyed
through the death of Christ!
 
Today as we celebrate the joyful veneration of Your life-giving Cross,
we prepare ourselves for Your most holy Passion, O Christ our Savior;
for You have wrought the salvation of the world
in Your almighty power!
 
Today there is joy in earth and heaven,
for the sign of the Cross is made manifest to all the world!
The thrice-blessed Cross is set before us;
a fountain of ever-flowing grace to all who show it honor!
 
What shall we offer You, Christ,
for You have given us Your precious Cross to venerate:
where Your holy blood was shed, and Your flesh was fixed by nails:
we kiss it with love, giving thanks to You!
 
 GLORY...
 

THIRD SUNDAY: CANON PAGE FOUR
 
I sing the praises of the three Persons in one Godhead;
I proclaim one simple, undivided Nature:
Father eternal, Son and Holy Spirit,
One in throne and dominion,
One single Kingdom,
One everlasting Power!
 
 NOW AND EVER... (Theotokion)
 
In you alone among women, pure Lady,
a fearful and wonderful thing was revealed:
you renewed nature,conceiving without seed and remaining a virgin,
for the Child you have borne is the true God!
 
KATAVASIA: SEEING YOU, MIGHTY LORD, UPON THE CROSS,
THE SUN WAS SEIZED WITH FEAR AND HID ITS RAYS!
THE WHOLE CREATION GLORIFIED YOUR LONGSUFFERING WITH AWE,
AND THE EARTH WAS FILLED WITH YOUR PRAISE!
 
 
CANTICLE FIVE:
 
IRMOS: LET US ARISE AT THE RISING OF THE SUN
AND BRING TO THE MASTER A HYMN INSTEAD OF MYRRH,
AND WE SHALL SEE CHRIST, THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
WHO CAUSES LIFE TO DAWN FOR ALL!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GlORY TO YOU!
 
You have risen from the tomb, never-setting Light,
shining upon the world with the bright dawn of incorruption!
In Your compassion You have driven out the dark sorrow of death
from the farthest corners of the earth!
 
Let us draw near, being cleansed by abstinence,
and let us venerate the all-holy Wood with fervent praise,
where Christ was crucified when He saved the world
in His compassion.
 
Today the ranks of angels dance with gladness
at the veneration of Your Cross!
For through the Cross, O Christ,
You have shattered the hosts of devils,
bringing mankind salvation!
 
The Church is revealed as a second Paradise,
having a tree of life, as the first Paradise of old:
by touching Your Cross, O Lord,
we share in immortality!
 
 GLORY...
 
I glorify three co-eternal Persons in one Essence:
Father, Son and Spirit!
A single Light in threefold brightness:
one Power and Kingdom in unconfused Unity!
 
 NOW AND EVER... (Theotokion)

THIRD SUNDAY: CANON  PAGE FIVE
 
 
You conceived by the law of nature,
yet above that law;
for you alone bore a child without seed.
We fear to think or speak of your childbearing,
all-blameless Virgin!
 
KATAVASIA: RISING EARLY IN THE MORNING, WE SING YOUR PRAISES,
SAVIOR OF THE WORLD,
FOR THROUGH YOUR CROSS, WE HAVE FOUND PEACE!
BY IT, YOU HAVE RENEWED MANKIND,
LEADING US TO THE LIGHT THAT KNOWS NO EVENING!
 
 
CANTICLE SIX:
 
IRMOS: YOU DESCENDED, O CHRIST, TO THE DEPTHS OF THE EARTH.
YOU BROKE THE EVERLASTING BARS
WHICH HAD HELD DEATH'S CAPTIVES,
AND LIKE JONAH FROM THE WHALE,
ON THE THIRD DAY YOU AROSE FROM THE GRAVE!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
You crushed death, O Christ, and rose as a mighty King,
recalling us from the depths of hell!
You brought us to the land of immortality,
granting us the joy of the Kingdom of Heaven!
 
Faithful, let us cry aloud with joy
as we greet the Cross of the Lord.
Let us sing triumphantly to God,
for it is a fountain of holiness to all in the world!
 
The words of the Psalmist are fulfilled,
for behold, we worship at the footstool of Your most pure feet,
at Your precious Cross, all-powerful Lord,
the thrice-blessed Wood!
 
We venerate Your Cross, merciful Lord:
the Tree which the Prophet of lamentation saw with its fruit.
and we sing in praise of Your bonds and tomb,
of the spears and the nails.
 
We kiss the holy Cross, O Christ,
which You were pleased to bear on Your shoulders,
on which You accepted to be lifted up and crucified in the flesh!
We receive from it strength against our invisible enemies.
 
 GLORY...
 
I praise the Unity in three Persons
and the Trinity worshipped in one Nature;
the Triune God, the threefold Light:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

THIRD SUNDAY: CANON PAGE SIX
 
 NOW AND EVER... (Theotokion)
 
The greatest of all wonders was revealed in you,
ewe without blemish,
for you bore the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world!
Entreat Him fervently for those who sing your praises!
 
KATAVASIA: WITH HIS OUTSTRETCHED ARMS IN THE BELLY OF THE WHALE,
JONAH FORESHADOWED THE FIGURE OF THE CROSS!
HE LEAPT OUT FROM THE MONSTER
SAVED BY YOUR POWER, O WORD!
 
 
 KONTAKION  TONE 7
 
NOW THE FLAMING SWORD NO LONGER GUARDS THE GATES OF PARADISE;
 
IT HAS BEEN MYSTERIOUSLY QUENCHED BY THE WOOD OF THE CROSS!
 
THE STING OF DEATH AND THE VICTORY OF HELL HAVE BEEN VANQUISHED,
 
FOR YOU, MY SAVIOR, CAME AND CRIED TO THOSE IN HELL://
 
ENTER AGAIN INTO PARADISE!
 
 IKOS
 
Pilate set up three crosses in the place of the Skull, two for the
thieves, and one for the Giver of Life. Seeing Him, hell cried to
those below: My ministers and powers! Who is this that has fixed a
nail in my heart? A wooden spear has pierced me suddenly, and I am
torn apart! I suffer inwardly; anguish has seized my belly and my
senses. My spirit trembles and I am forced to cast out Adam and his
posterity! A tree brought them to my realm, but now the Tree of the
Cross cries out to them://
 
 ENTER AGAIN INTO PARADISE!
 
CANTICLE SEVEN:
 
IRMOS: HE WHO SAVED THE THREE YOUNG MEN IN THE FURNACE
BECAME INCARNATE AND SUFFERED AS A MORTAL MAN.
THROUGH HIS SUFFERINGS,
HE CLOTHED WHAT IS MORTAL IN THE ROBE OF IMMORTALITY.
HE ALONE IS BLESSED AND MOST GLORIOUS,
THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
You arose on the third day from the tomb,
as one waking from sleep, O Lord.
By Your divine power, You struck down the keepers of hell,
raising up all our ancestors from the beginning of time,
for You alone are blessed and greatly glorified:
the God of our Fathers!

THIRD SUNDAY: CANON PAGE SEVEN
 
Nations, let us dance and sing to the music of the harp today,
and greatly rejoice at the veneration of the Cross!
Let us give glory to Christ who was nailed upon it!
He alone is blessed and greatly glorified:
The God of our Fathers!
 
Your Cross, all-merciful Lord,
is honored by all the world,
for You made the instrument of death
into a source of life!
Sanctify those who venerate it,
for You alone are blessed and greatly glorified:
the God of our Fathers!
 
You alone, only Jesus, are merciful and tenderhearted.
Illumine and sanctify those who with faith
venerate Your cross and divine passion,
for You alone are blessed and greatly glorified:
the God of our Fathers!
 
 GLORY...
 
I praise the Godhead, Unity in three Persons,
for the Father is Light, the Son is Light, and the Spirit is Light,
but the Light remains undivided, shining forth in oneness of Nature,
yet in the three rays of the Persons!
 
 NOW AND EVER... (Theotokion)
 
You were proclaimed by all the prophets under many different names,
revealed as the gateway of God, the golden vessel of manna, the holy
 land,
for you conceived Jesus Christ in the flesh, Virgin Bride of God,
the God of our Fathers who is greatly glorified!
 
KATAVASIA: THE LORD WHO DELIVERED THE CHILDREN FROM THE FLAMES,
TOOK FLESH AND CAME TO EARTH:
NAILED TO THE CROSS, HE GRANTED US SALVATION,
FOR HE ALONE IS BLESSED AND GREATLY GLORIFIED:
THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS!
 
 
CANTICLE EIGHT:
 
IRMOS: THIS IS THE CHOSEN AND HOLY DAY,
THE FIRST OF SABBATHS, KING AND LORD OF DAYS,
THE FEAST OF FEASTS, HOLY DAY OF HOLY DAYS:
ON THIS DAY WE BLESS CHRIST FOR EVER MORE!
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
Why do you hold fragrant spices in your hands?
Whom do you seek? cries the young man at the tomb.
Christ our God is risen,
raising up the nature of mortal men from the hidden depths of hell!
 

THIRD SUNDAY: CANON PAGE EIGHT
 
Rejoice, thrice-blessed and divine Wood of the Cross,
a light to those in darkness.
As you shine to the four corners of the earth,
you prepare us for the dawn of Christ's Resurrection.
Grant to all the faithful
that they may come to the feast of Pascha.
 
On this day, the Cross of Christ, the Wood anointed with life,
fills all things with the fragrance of divine grace.
As we smell its God-given scent,
let us venerate it with faith forever!
 
Come, Elisha the Prophet, and tell us plainly,
what was the wood you cast into the water?
It was the Cross of Christ,
which draws us up from the depths of corruption,
and we venerate it with faith forever!
 
Jacob prefigured Your Cross in days of old, O Christ,
when he venerated the top of Joseph's holy staff,
where he saw the dread sceptre of Your Kingdom foreshadowed,
and now we venerate Your Cross in faith for ever!
 
 LET US BLESS THE FATHER, AND THE SON, AND THE HOLY
 SPIRIT: THE LORD!
 
I glorify one Substance in three beings:
Father, Son and Spirit,
neither confused in Persons nor divided in Essence,
for there is one God in Trinity, ruling over all forever!
 
 NOW AND EVER...
 
You alone among mothers, Mary, Bride of God, remained a virgin.
Without wedlock you gave birth to Christ the Savior,
yet you kept the seal of your purity unbroken.
With all the faithful we shall call you blessed forever!
 
 WE PRAISE, BLESS AND WORSHIP THE LORD,
 SINGING AND EXALTING HIM FOREVER!
 
KATAVASIA: DANIEL, GREAT AMONG THE PROPHETS
WAS CAST INTO THE LIONS' DEN;
BUT HE STRETCHED OUT HIS HANDS IN THE FORM OF THE CROSS,
AND WAS KEPT UNHARMED, DELIVERED FROM THEIR MOUTHS,
AND BLESSING CHRIST OUR GOD FOREVER!
 
 - THE MAGNIFICAT IS SUNG -
 
 
 

THIRD SUNDAY: CANON PAGE NINE
 
CANTICLE NINE:
 
IRMOS: SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! O NEW JERUSALEM.
THE GLORY OF THE LORD HAS SHONE ON YOU!
EXULT NOW, EXULT AND BE GLAD, O ZION.
BE RADIANT, O PURE THEOTOKOS, IN THE RESURRECTION OF YOUR SON.
 
 GLORY TO YOU, OUR GOD, GLORY TO YOU!
 
You went down into the tomb, O God the Giver of Life,
breaking its bars and chains,
raising up the dead who cry aloud:
Glory to Your resurrection, Christ, the all-powerful Savior!
 
Your tomb, O Christ, has brought life to me,
for You, the Lord of Life,
came and cried to those dwelling in the grave:
Be free, all who are in bonds,
for I am come, the Ransom of the world!
 
Let all the trees of the forest dance and sing,
beholding the Tree of the Cross today as it receives veneration,
for Christ, as the holy David prophesied,
has exalted it on high.
 
I died through a tree,
but have found a tree of life in you, Cross of Christ!
You are my invincible protector and strong defense against the demons.
As I venerate you today I cry aloud:
Sanctify me by your glory!
 
Rejoice, Church of God and be exceedingly glad,
as you venerate today
the thrice-blessed wood of the most holy Cross of Christ.
It is attended by the ranks of angels,
who stand before it with fear!
 
 GLORY...
 
I worship You, holy God,
as Trinity of Persons in Unity of Essence:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
one Power and Kingdom, sovereign over all.
 
  NOW AND EVER...
 
You are the great mountain, Virgin,
in which Christ dwelt, as holy David says.
We are raised up to heaven by you, all-blessed Lady,
through the Spirit, regaining the adoption of sons.
 
KATAVASIA: VIRGIN MOTHER, AND TRUE THEOTOKOS,
YOU BORE CHRIST OUR GOD WITHOUT SEED:
HE WAS LIFTED UP IN THE FLESH UPON THE CROSS.
WITH ALL THE FAITHFUL, WE RIGHTLY MAGNIFY YOU WITH YOUR SON!
 
 TRIODION
THIRD WEEK OF LENT SUNDAY MATINS
 
 
 
  HYMN OF LIGHT
 
 (Of the Resurrection)
 
TODAY AS WE BEHOLD THE PRECIOUS CROSS OF CHRIST
LET US BOW BEFORE IT WITH FAITH!
LET US REJOICE AND EMBRACE IT WITH LONGING!
LET US BEG THE LORD WHO WAS VOLUNTARILY CRUCIFIED:
MAKE US WORTHY TO VENERATE THE PRECIOUS CROSS!//
ENABLE US TO REACH THE DAY OF RESURRECTION FREE FROM EVIL!
 
MOST PURE ONE, I