Lenten Services, Readings, and the Saint of the Day

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Saturday

LITURGY

Hebrews 9:24-28

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Mark 8:27-31

And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. And he charged them that they should tell no man of him. And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Laudation of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Hebrews 9:1-7

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Part 2: Saint of the Day

1. VENERABLE ISAAC THE SYRIAN II

Isaac the Syrian I, is commemorated on January 28. St. Gregory the Dialogues writes about this Isaac II. He came to Italy at the time of the Goths and entered a church to pray in the city of Spoleto. He implored the verger to allow him to remain locked in the church overnight. And so, he spent the entire night in prayer, remaining in the same place. The same thing happened the next day and even the second night. The verger called him a hypocrite and struck him with his fist. Instantly, the verger went insane. Seeing that the verger was bitterly tormented, Isaac leaned over him and the evil spirit departed from him and the verger was restored to health. Upon hearing of this incident, the entire populace of the city thronged around this amazing foreigner. They offered him money and property, but he declined all and accepted nothing and withdrew into the forest where he built a cell for himself, which was rapidly transformed into a large monastery. Isaac was known for working miracles and especially for his special "gift of discernment." On one occasion, he ordered the brethren to carry all the hoes into the vineyard and to leave them there. The next day Isaac, along with the brethren, went out into the vineyard and brought along lunch. The brethren were puzzled. Who was this lunch for, since there were no laborers? Upon arriving at the vineyard, there were as many men digging as there were hoes. This is what happened: these men came as thieves to steal the hoes, but by the power of God, they were detained to dig all night. On another occasion, two partly-clad men came to Isaac and sought clothes from him. Isaac sent a monk to a hollow tree along the road to retrieve what he would find there. The monk departed, found some clothing and brought it to the monastery. The abbot took these clothes and gave them to the beggars. The beggars were extremely ashamed when they recognized their own clothes which they had hidden in this tree. Once, a man sent two beehives to the monastery. The monk hid one along the way and the other he brought to the monastery and turned it over to the abbot. The saint said to him: "Be careful upon your return. For in the beehive that you left along the way, a poisonous snake had slithered into it. Be careful, therefore, that it does not bite you."

2. SAINT BASIL THE CONFESSOR

At the time of the Iconoclastic controversy, this devout man was bishop in the town of Parius in Asia Minor. He refused to sign an imperial document against the veneration of icons. For that, Basil was greatly persecuted and severely tortured. He remained as firm as a diamond in His Orthodoxy. He died at the beginning of the eighth century and was translated to the Lord.

3. THE VENERABLE ACACIUS

Acacius was from the village of Gollitsa in Epirus. He was a great Athonite ascetic, spiritual father and possessed the "gift of discernment." Acacius had many heavenly visions. He gave his blessings to several monks who chose the mortification of martyrdom. Acacius died in his ninety-eighth year in the year 1730 A.D.

4. THE VENERABLE ATHANASIA

Athanasia was born on the island of Aeginia of wealthy and benevolent parents. She distributed her wealth to the poor and retreated to a convent. There she took upon herself greater and more difficult mortifications. Athanasia took food only once a day and that, only bread and water. During the Honorable Fast [Lenten Season], she ate once every other day. She tasted oil and fish only on the Feasts of the Nativity and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even thought she was the abbess of this convent, Athanasia was a servant to the other sisters and shied away from having anyone serve her. Athanasia was made worthy of the great gift of working miracles, both, during her life and after death. She died in the Lord in the year 860 A.D.

HYMN OF PRAISE

SAINT ATHANASIA

Athanasia, most beautiful soul,

On earth, shone like a bright star,

By the spirit, bodily weakness overcame,

While still young, fell in love with God;

Through fasting and vigils, her body she withered,

Only to attain salvation for her soul;

Property much, to the poor she distributed,

All of herself, to the will of God, she gave.

A vision she saw in the church, holy:

A heavenly light, the darkness penetrated,

And a voice to her came: Athanasia,

Meekness and humbleness; that is pleasing to God,

In this, practice above all else

While your heart beats and your spirit breathes.

Athanasia, that counsel she fulfilled -

And, all pride in herself she crushed,

Her will to God, she totally gave,

Obedient to God, as the blazing sun.

Love, with Love, the Lord returned

And with Grace, He rewarded her labors.

And when her time on earth was over

He granted her life, immortal and paradiscal.

REFLECTION

The wicked Emperor Constantine Copronymos had a virtuous daughter, the maiden, Anthusa: "A beautiful branch on a wicked tree." Despite all the pressure placed on her by her father to marry, Anthusa remained adamant, for she was firmly attached with a sincere love for Christ the Lord. When her father died, Anthusa distributed her entire estate to the poor, entered a convent and was tonsured a nun. How much for astonishment are the many noble men who left the vanity of this world and followed the narrow path of Christ; twice as much for astonishment are the many women who despised both, youth and riches and the transitory attractions of this world for the love of Christ. Our Lord Himself said: " It would be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (St. Matthew 19:23). Difficult yes, but not impossible. For him, who despises himself, it is easy to despise the riches of the entire world.

CONTEMPLATION

To contemplate the resurrected Lord Jesus:

1. How He enters through closed doors among His disciples and gives them peace;

2. How His glorified body does not have any material obstacles to appear wherever He wants.

HOMILY

About the city which is being built

"For here, we have no lasting city, but we seek the one that is to come" (Hebrews 13:14).

Brethren, where are the great cities of Babylon and Nineveh? Today, only lizards lay in the dust of their towers. Memphis and Thebes, were they not the pride of the pharaohs and the princes of mankind? Today, it is difficult to establish the exact place where these two cities were located.

However, let us leave these cities of stones and bricks. Let us look at the cities of blood, flesh and bones. Men fashion the city of their bodies more slowly and more painstakingly than they fashion fortresses and cathedrals. Men spend about eighty to a hundred years to fashion the cities of their bodies and, in the end, see that their effort is in vain. That which took them decades to fashion with care and constant fear, collapses into the dust of the grave in the twinkling of an eye. Whose bodily city is not toppled over and turned into dust? Not anyones.

But, let us leave the cities of the body. Let us look at the cities of fortune which men have built from generation to generation. The materials of which these cities were built are: good times, pleasure, property, authority, honor and glory. Where are these cities? As a cob-web they spin around man in an instant and as a cob web they break and vanish, making the fortunate more unfortunate than the unfortunate.

Truly, we have no city here that will remain.

This is why we seek the city which is to come. This is the city built of Spirit, Life and Truth. This is the city whose one and only architect is the Lord Jesus Christ. This city is called the Kingdom of Heaven, Eternal Life, the dwelling place of the angels, the haven of saints and refuge of martyrs. In this city, there is no dualism of either good or evil but, everything is a harmony of good. Everything that is built in this city is built to last forever. Every brick in this city remains without end and termination. The bricks are living angels and men. In this city the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ sits on the throne and reigns.

O resurrected Lord, redeem us from beneath the ruins of time and lead us mercifully into Your eternal city of Heaven.

To You be glory and thanks always. Amen.

Part 3: Matins and Vespers

TRIODION
FIFTH WEEK OF LENT SATURDAY MATINS
 PRAISES OF THE THEOTOKOS
 
 
(Matins begins in the usual way. Following the reading of kathisma 16
and the little litany, we begin the hymns of the akathist, slowly and
solemnly):
 
 
 KONTAKION I TONE 8
 
VICTORIOUS LEADER OF TRIUMPHANT HOSTS,
 
WE YOUR SERVANTS, DELIVERED FROM EVIL, SING OUR GRATEFUL THANKS TO
 YOU, THEOTOKOS
 
AS YOU POSSESS INVINCIBLE MIGHT, SET US FREE FROM EVERY CALAMITY,//
 
SO THAT WE MAY SING: REJOICE, UNWEDDED BRIDE!
 
 IKOS I
 
A prince of the angels was sent from heaven to greet the Theotokos,
saying: Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! Seeing You, Lord, take bodily
form at his bodiless word, he stood in awe and cried:
 REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU JOY WILL BE ENKINDLED;
 REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU THE CURSE WILL BE QUENCHED!
 REJOICE, RECALL OF FALLEN ADAM;
 REJOICE, DELIVERANCE OF WEEPING EVE!
 REJOICE, HEIGHT UNATTAINABLE TO HUMAN REASON;
  REJOICE, ABYSS UNSEARCHABLE BY ANGELIC EYES!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU ARE THE THRONE OF THE KING;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU BEAR HIM WHO UPHOLDS ALL THINGS!
 REJOICE, STAR GIVING RISE TO THE SUN;
 REJOICE, WOMB GIVING FLESH TO GOD!
  REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU CREATION IS RENEWED;
 REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU THE CREATOR BECOMES A NEWBORN
 CHILD!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!
 
 
 KONTAKION II
 
AS SHE BEHELD HERSELF IN ALL HER PURITY,
 
THE HOLY LADY CRIED OUT WITH BOLDNESS TO GABRIEL:
 
STRANGE ARE YOUR WORDS TO ME, AND HARD FOR MY SOUL!
 
HOW DO YOU SPEAK OF CHILDBIRTH FROM A CONCEPTION THAT IS SEEDLESS,//
 
CRYING: ALLELUIA!

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS  PAGE TWO
 
 IKOS II
 
Desiring to know what is beyond knowledge, the Virgin cried to the
ministering angel: Tell me, how can a child be born of my virginal
womb? He answered in fear, crying:
 REJOICE, INITIATE OF GOD'S SECRET COUNSEL;
 REJOICE, BELIEF IN WHAT MUST BE GUARDED BY SILENCE!
 REJOICE, FIRST OF CHRIST'S MIRACLES;
 REJOICE, CROWN AND FULFILLMENT OF HIS TEACHINGS!
 REJOICE, HEAVENLY LADDER BY WHICH GOD DESCENDED;
  REJOICE, BRIDGE LEADING US FROM EARTH TO HEAVEN!
 REJOICE, GREATLY GLORIFIED WONDER OF ANGELS;
 REJOICE, BITTERLY LAMENTED WOUND OF DEMONS!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU SHALL INEFFABLY BRING FORTH THE LIGHT;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE REVEALED THE MYSTERY TO NONE!
 REJOICE, WISDOM SURPASSING THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WISE;
 REJOICE, DAWN ENLIGHTENING THE MINDS OF THE FAITHFUL!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!
 
 
 KONTAKION III
 
THEN THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH
 
OVERSHADOWED THE UNWEDDED HANDMAIDEN SO THAT SHE MIGHT CONCEIVE.
 
HE MADE HER FRUITFUL WOMB A FERTILE FIELD//
 
FOR ALL WHO LONG TO REAP THE HARVEST OF SALVATION, CRYING: ALLELUIA!
 
 IKOS III
 
Bearing God within her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth, whose
unborn child, knowing at once the salutation of the Theotokos,
rejoiced, and leaping up as if in song, cried out to her:
 REJOICE, VINE BRINGING FORTH AN UNWITHERING BRANCH;
  REJOICE, ORCHARD OF PURE FRUIT!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU TEND THE HUSBANDMAN, THE LOVER OF MANKIND;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU BEAR THE GARDENER WHO CULTIVATES OUR LIFE!
 REJOICE, EARTH YIELDING A RICH HARVEST OF COMPASSION;
 REJOICE, TABLE LADEN WITH ABUNDANT MERCY!
 REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU THE FIELDS OF EDEN FLOWER ONCE
 AGAIN;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU MAKE READY A HAVEN FOR OUR SOULS!
 REJOICE, ACCEPTABLE INCENSE OF INTERCESSIONS;
 REJOICE, PROPITIATION FOR THE WHOLE WORLD!
 REJOICE, LOVING-KINDNESS OF GOD TO MORTALS;
 REJOICE, FREEDOM OF MORTALS TO APPROACH GOD!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS  PAGE THREE
 
 KONTAKION IV
 
TOSSED WITHIN BY A STORM OF DOUBTS, SOBER JOSEPH WAS GREATLY TROUBLED.
 
KNOWING YOU, BLAMELESS VIRGIN, AS UNWEDDED, HE FEARED A STOLEN UNION.
 
BUT WHEN HE LEARNED THAT YOUR CONCEIVING WAS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,//
 
HE CRIED: ALLELUIA!
 
(We sing again the kontakion "Victorious leader..." and read
kathisma 17. After the little litany we repeat "Victorious
leader...")
 
 IKOS IV
 
The shepherds heard the angels glorify Christ's coming in the flesh.
They ran with haste to the Shepherd, and beheld Him as a spotless lamb
pastured at Mary's breast. They sang praises to her, saying:
 REJOICE, MOTHER OF THE LAMB AND SHEPHERD;
 REJOICE, FOLD OF SPIRITUAL SHEEP!
 REJOICE, PROTECTION AGAINST UNSEEN ENEMIES;
 REJOICE, KEY TO THE GATES OF PARADISE!
 REJOICE, FOR HEAVEN EXULTS wITH EARTH;
 REJOICE, FOR EARTH DANCES WITH HEAVEN!
 REJOICE, NEVER-SILENT BOAST OF THE APOSTLES;
 REJOICE, INVINCIBLE COURAGE OF THE MARTYRS!
 REJOICE, FIRM FOUNDATION OF THE FAITH;
 REJOICE, SHINING REVELATION OF GRACE!
 REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU, HELL IS STRIPPED BARE;
 REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU WE ARE CLOTHED IN GLORY!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!
 
 
 KONTAKION V
 
WHEN THEY HAD SEEN THE STAR POINTING TO GOD,
 
THE MAGI FOLLOWED ITS LIGHT, KEEPING IT BEFORE THEM AS A BEACON.
 
WITH ITS HELP THEY SOUGHT THE ALMIGHTY KING, AND REACHED THE
 UNATTAINABLE!//
 
THEY REJOICED AND CRIED OUT TO HIM: ALLELUIA!
 
 IKOS V
 
The children of the Chaldeans saw the Virgin holding in her hands Him
who with His hands fashioned mankind. Though He had taken the form of
a servant, yet they knew Him as their Master. In haste they knelt
before Him with their gifts, and cried out to the blessed Virgin:

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS PAGE FOUR
 
 REJOICE, MOTHER OF THE NEVER-SETTING STAR;
 REJOICE, BRIGHT DAWN OF THE MYSTICAL DAY!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE QUENCHED THE FURNACE OF DECEPTION;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU ILLUMINE ALL WHO LOVE THE MYSTERY OF THE
  TRINITY!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE CAST DOWN FROM HIS DOMINION THE HATER OF
 MANKIND;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE REVEALED CHRIST THE LORD, THE LOVER OF
 MANKIND!
 REJOICE, DELIVERANCE FROM THE WORSHIP OF PAGAN IDOLS;
 REJOICE, LIBERATION FROM THE FILTH OF SIN!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE QUENCHED THE WORSHIP OF FIRE;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE RELEASED US FROM THE FLAMES OF PASSION!
 REJOICE, GUIDE OF THE FAITHFUL TO CHASTITY;
 REJOICE, GLADNESS OF ALL GENERATIONS!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!
 
 
 KONTAKION VI
 
THE MAGI RETURNED TO BABYLON, NOW BECOME GOD'S MESSENGERS.
 
THEY FULFILLED THE PROPHECY CONCERNING YOU.
 
PREACHING YOU TO ALL AS CHRIST, THEY LEFT HEROD TO HIS RAVING,//
 
NOT KNOWING HOW TO SING: ALLELUIA!
 
  IKOS VI
 
Shining upon Egypt with the light of truth, You dispelled the darkness
of falsehood. For the idols of that land fell, unable to endure Your
power, Savior, and all who were delivered from them sang to the
Theotokos:
 REJOICE, RESTORATION OF THE HUMAN RACE;
 REJOICE, DOWNFALL OF DEMONS!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE TRAMPLED THE DELUSION OF ERROR;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE EXPOSED THE SNARES OF IDOLS!
 REJOICE, SEA DROWNING THE SPIRITUAL PHARAOH;
 REJOICE, ROCK GIVING DRINK TO ALL WHO THIRST FOR LIFE!
 REJOICE, PILLAR OF FIRE, GUIDING THOSE IN DARKNESS;
 REJOICE, PROTECTION OF THE EARTH, MORE SPACIOUS THAN THE
 CLOUD IN THE WILDERNESS!
  REJOICE, FOOD SURPASSING MANNA;
 REJOICE, MINISTER OF HOLY DELIGHTS!
 REJOICE, O PROMISED LAND;
 REJOICE, SOURCE OF MILK AND HONEY!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS  PAGE FIVE
 
 KONTAKION VII
 
AS SIMEON DREW NEAR TO THE TIME OF HIS DEPARTURE FROM THIS WORLD OF
 ERROR,
 
HE RECEIVED YOU AS AN INFANT IN HIS ARMS,
 
YET KNOWING YOU TO BE PERFECT GOD!//
 
STRUCK WITH WONDER AT YOUR BOUNDLESS WISDOM, HE CRIED: ALLELUIA!
 
(We sing "Victorious leader...," and read Psalm 51. After the great
intercession "O Lord, save Your people...," we begin the canon to the
Theotokos):
 
 THE CANON (By Joseph the hymnographer) TONE 4
 
CANTICLE ONE:
 
IRMOS: I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH, FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT;
I WILL SING A SONG TO THE QUEEN AND MOTHER!
I WILL COME REJOICING IN THE FEAST,
AND I WILL EXTOL ALL HER GLORY!
 
 MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE US!
 
The great Archangel beheld you, pure Virgin,
the living book of Christ, sealed by the Spirit,
and he said: Rejoice, Vessel of joy!
Through you we shall be loosed from the curse of our first mother!
 
Rejoice, Virgin bride of God,
restoration of Adam and death of hell!
Rejoice, undefiled One, pavilion of the King of all;
Rejoice, fiery throne of the Almighty!
 
Rejoice, for from you alone springs the unfading Rose;
Rejoice, for you have borne the sweetly-smelling fruit!
Rejoice, unwedded Maiden;
bouquet of the only King and preservation of the world!
 
Rejoice, Lady, treasure-house of purity,
Raising us up from our fall;
Rejoice, Lily whose sweet scent is known to all the faithful;
Rejoice, fragrant incense and precious oil of myrrh!
 
 
CANTICLE THREE:
 
IRMOS: IN YOUR DIVINE GLORY, THEOTOKOS,
LIVING AND INEXHAUSTIBLE FOUNTAIN,
SPIRITUALLY ESTABLISH YOUR CHOIR, ASSEMBLED IN CHORUS.
IN YOUR MERCY MAKE THEM WORTHY OF THE CROWNS OF GLORY!

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS  PAGE SIX
 
 MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE US!
 
The divine wheat has grown from you, O untilled field:
Rejoice, living table that held the Bread of life;
Rejoice, Lady, never-failing spring of Living Water!
 
Rejoice, Mother, for you brought forth for the faithful
The sacrificial victim without blemish;
Rejoice, Ewe bearing the Lamb of God
Who takes away the sins of the world.
Rejoice, Mercy-seat; our fervent intercessor!
 
Rejoice, radiant dawn alone bearing Christ the Sun;
Rejoice, dwelling-place of the Light.
You have dispersed the gloom,
Utterly destroying the demons of the darkness.
 
Rejoice, only gate through which the Word alone has passed.
Lady, by your childbearing,
you have broken the bars and gates of hell.
Rejoice, Bride of God, divine entry of the saved.
 
(After the little litany, we sing "Victorious Leader..." and resume
the hymns of the Akathist):
 
 
 IKOS VII
 
The Creator has revealed a new creation, manifesting Himself to us,
His creatures. He came from a Virgin's womb, preserving it inviolate
as it was before, so that beholding this miracle, we might sing her
praises, crying:
 REJOICE, FLOWER OF INCORRUPTION;
 REJOICE, CROWN OF CHASTITY!
 REJOICE, BRIGHT IMAGE OF RESURRECTION GLORY;
 REJOICE, MIRROR OF ANGELIC LIFE!
 REJOICE, TREE OF GLORIOUS FRUIT FEEDING THE FAITHFUL;
 REJOICE, SHADOWING FOREST WHERE MANY FIND SHELTER!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU CONCEIVED A GUIDE FOR THE WANDERERS;
  REJOICE, FOR YOU BORE A DELIVERER FOR CAPTIVES!
 REJOICE, INTERCESSOR WITH THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE;
 REJOICE, FORGIVENESS FOR MANY WHO HAVE STUMBLED!
 REJOICE, ROBE FOR THE NAKED, FORSAKEN BY HOPE;
 REJOICE, LOVE SURPASSING ALL DESIRE!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS PAGE SEVEN
 
 KONTAKION VIII
 
AS WE SEE THIS STRANGE BIRTH, LET US BECOME STRANGERS
 
TO THE WORLD AND FIX OUR MINDS IN HEAVEN,
 
SINCE IT WAS FOR THIS THAT THE MOST HIGH GOD
 
APPEARED ON THE EARTH IN THE FORM OF MAN.//
 
IT IS HIS DESIRE TO RAISE UP TO HEAVEN ALL WHO CRY: ALLELUIA!
 
 IKOS VIII
 
The uncircumscribed Word was wholly present here below, yet in no way
absent from the realm on high. God descended to earth, yet underwent
no change of place. He was born of a Virgin, overshadowed by divine
power, and it is to her we sing:
 REJOICE, ENCLOSURE OF THE UNCONTAINABLE GOD;
 REJOICE, GATE OF THE HALLOWED MYSTERY!
 REJOICE, TIDINGS DOUBTED BY UNBELIEVERS;
 REJOICE, UNDOUBTED GLORY OF THE FAITHFUL!
 REJOICE, MOST HOLY CHARIOT OF HIM WHO RIDES UPON THE CHERUBIM;
 REJOICE, FAVORED DWELLING OF HIM WHO IS ABOVE THE SERAPHIM!
  REJOICE, FOR YOU ARE THE UNION OF OPPOSING THINGS;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU JOINED CHILDBIRTH TO VIRGINITY!
 REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU OUR SIN IS REMITTED;
 REJOICE, FOR PARADISE IS OPENED THROUGH YOU!
 REJOICE, KEY OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM;
 REJOICE, HOPE OF ETERNAL BLESSINGS!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!
 
 
 KONTAKION IX
 
ALL THE RANKS OF ANGELS WONDERED AT THE GREAT WORK OF YOUR
  INCARNATION,
 
FOR THEY BEHELD GOD, THE ONE WHOM NO ON CAN APPROACH
 
DWELLING IN OUR MIDST AS MAN, APPROACHABLE TO ALL,//
 
AND HEARING FROM THE LIPS OF ALL: ALLELUIA!
 
 IKOS IX
 
We see eloquent orators as dumb as fish in your presence, Theotokos,
for they are at a loss to explain how you remain Virgin and yet gave
birth to a child. But we, marvelling at the mystery, cry aloud with
faith:
 
 REJOICE...

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS  PAGE EIGHT
 
 REJOICE, VESSEL OF THE WISDOM OF GOD;
 REJOICE, TREASURY OF HIS DISPENSATION!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU REVEAL THE FOLLY OF PHILOSOPHERS;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU SHOW REASONING PEOPLE TO BE IRRATIONAL!
  REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU CUNNING DEBATERS ARE FOOLED;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE SILENCED THE MAKERS OF MYTHS!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE TORN THE TANGLED WEBS OF ATHENIANS;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU HAVE FILLED THE NETS OF THE FISHERMEN!
  REJOICE, FOR YOU DRAW US FROM THE DEPTHS OF IGNORANCE;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU ILLUMINE MANY WITH KNOWLEDGE!
 REJOICE, SHIP OF ALL SEEKING SALVATION;
 REJOICE, HARBOR FOR LIFE'S TRAVELERS!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!
 
 
  KONTAKION X
 
THE MAKER OF ALL THINGS, IN HIS DESIRE TO SAVE THE WORLD,
 
CAME TO IT OF HIS OWN FREELY CHOSEN DEED.
 
AS GOD, HE IS OUR SHEPHERD, YET FOR OUR SAKES, HE HAS APPEARED AS A
  MAN,//
 
AND CALLING LIKE BY LIKE, AS GOD HE HEARS OUR CRY TO HIM: ALLELUIA!
 
 
(We sing "Victorious Leader...", followed by the sessional hymn):
 
 TONE 1
 
THE MIGHTY LEADER OF THE ANGELIC SPIRITS
 
CAME TO THE CITY OF NAZARETH.
 
HE PROCLAIMED THE INCARNATION OF THE KING AND LORD OF AGES TO YOU,
 
SAYING: REJOICE, BLESSED MARY:
 
FOR YOU ARE THE DEPTH THAT CANNOT BE SOUNDED BY REASONING,//
 
AND THE RESTORATION OF ALL MANKIND!
 
 GNE...
 
THE MIGHTY LEADER...
 
(and we continue with the canon):

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS PAGE NINE
 
CANTICLE FOUR:
 
IRMOS: HE WHO SITS IN GLORY ON THE THRONE OF THE GODHEAD,
JESUS, THE TRUE GOD, IS COME IN A SWIFT CLOUD,
AND WITH HIS PURE HAND HE HAS SAVED THOSE WHO CRY:
GLORY TO YOUR POWER, O CHRIST!
 
 MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE US!
 
We cry aloud to you in song with faith,
Virgin worthy of all praise:
Rejoice, rich mountain flowing with the milk of the Spirit;
Rejoice candlestick and vessel of manna,
sweet to the taste of the godly!
 
Rejoice, mercy-seat of the world, undefiled Lady!
Rejoice, ladder raising all people from the earth by grace;
Rejoice, bridge that has brought from death to life in deed
all those who sing your praises!
 
Rejoice, undefiled One, higher than the heavens,
for without the pain of travail
you held within your womb the Foundation of the earth!
Rejoice, sea-shell, dying a robe of divine purple
for the Lord of Hosts, with your own blood.
 
Rejoice, Lady, for in truth you bore the Lawgiver,
Who freely washes clean the transgressions of all.
Unwedded Maiden, the unsearchable depth and ineffable height,
through you, we are made divine!
 
You wove a crown for the world not made by the hand of man,
and we sing your praises, saying:
Rejoice, Virgin, the guardian of the human race,
the fortress, stronghold, and sacred refuge!
 
CANTICLE FIVE:
 
IRMOS: ALL CREATION WAS AWED BY YOUR DIVINE GLORY,
FOR YOU, VIRGIN, KNEW NO MAN, YET BORE THE GOD OF ALL.
YOU HELD IN YOUR WOMB THE ETERNAL SON
WHO GRANTS PEACE TO THOSE WHO EXTOL YOU IN SONG.
 
 MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE US!
 
The Way that leads to life was born of you.
Rejoice, all-blameless One!
You have saved the world from drowning in the flood of sin!
Rejoice, Bride of God, tidings awesome to hear and tell;
Rejoice, dwelling of the Master of creation!
 
Rejoice, undefiled One, the strength and fortress of mankind,
the sanctuary of Glory;
Rejoice, destruction of hell, and bridal chamber filled with light!
Rejoice, joy of the angels;
Rejoice, help of those who call on you with faith!

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS PAGE TEN
 
Rejoice, fiery chariot of the Word;
Rejoice, Lady, living paradise,
holding in your midst the Lord, the Tree of Life!
His sweetness quickens all who eat with faith,
although they were enslaved to corruption.
 
Strengthened by your might, we raise our cry to you with faith:
Rejoice, city of the King of all!
Glorious things, worthy to be heard throughout the world,
are plainly spoken of you.
Rejoice, mountain not cut by the hand of man;
depth that none can fathom!
 
Rejoice, undefiled One, spacious tabernacle of the Word,
shell from which the divine Pearl has come!
Rejoice, Theotokos, full of wonders:
in every age you reconcile with God all those who call you blessed!
 
(beginning with Canticle Six, the Biblical canticles may be used
according to the order of the day, as well as the two canons from the
Triodion along with the Canon of the Theotokos provided)
 
CANTICLE SIX:
 
IRMOS: LET US, BELIEVERS, CLAP OUR HANDS IN GLADNESS,
FULFILLING THE MOST PRECIOUS FEAST.
BY KNOWING GOD THROUGH THE THEOTOKOS,
LET US GLORIFY HIM WHO WAS BORN OF HER!
 
 MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE US!
 
Through you all can become divine,
spotless bridal chamber of the Word.
Rejoice, all-undefiled One, the prophets' song;
Rejoice, adornment of the apostles!
 
From you has come the dew that quenched the flame of idolatry.
Therefore we cry to you: Rejoice, Virgin,
fleece wet with dew that Gideon saw in prophecy!
 
Behold, we cry: Rejoice! to you:
Be our haven as we toss upon the deep,
our refuge from the troubled waters of affliction
and from all the snares of the enemy.
 
Give grace to our thoughts, cause of joy,
that we may cry out to you:
Rejoice, bush unconsumed and cloud of light,
that ever overshadows the faithful.
 
(After the little litany, we sing "Victorious Leader..." and begin the
final section of the akathist hymns):

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS  PAGE ELEVEN
 
 IKOS X
 
You are a wall for virgins and all who run to you, undefiled Virgin
Theotokos, for the Creator of heaven and earth prepared and adorned
you, dwelling in your womb, and teaching all to sing to you:
 REJOICE, PILLAR OF VIRGINITY;
 REJOICE, GATE OF SALVATION!
 REJOICE, BEGINNING OF THE NEW AND SPIRITUAL CREATION;
 REJOICE, PROVIDER OF THE MERCY OF GOD!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU GIVE NEW BIRTH TO THOSE CONCEIVED IN SIN;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU GIVE GOOD COUNSEL TO THOSE ROBBED OF
 UNDERSTANDING!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU DESTROY THE CORRUPTOR OF HUMAN MINDS;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU GIVE BIRTH TO THE SOWER OF PURITY!
 REJOICE, BRIDAL CHAMBER OF A SEEDLESS UNION;
 REJOICE, UNION OF THE FAITHFUL TO THEIR LORD!
 REJOICE, NURSE AND MOTHER OF VIRGINS;
 REJOICE, BRIDESMAID OF HOLY SOULS!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!
 
 
 KONTAKION XI
 
EVERY HYMN FAILS TO TELL THE GREATNESS OF YOUR MERCIES!
 
WERE WE TO OFFER TO YOU, HOLY KING,
 
SONGS AS COUNTLESS AS THE SANDS ON THE SHORE OF THE SEA,
 
WE WOULD DO NOTHING WORTHY OF THE BLESSING YOU GIVE US//
 
AS WE SING TO YOU: ALLELUIA!
 
  IKOS XI
 
We see the holy Virgin as a torch of living light, shining upon those
in darkness. Kindling the immaterial fire, she guides us all to
divine knowledge. As she illumines our mind with radiance, we sing
these praises in her honor:
 REJOICE, RAY OF THE SPIRITUAL SUN;
 REJOICE, RADIANCE OF THE MOON THAT NEVER WANES!
 REJOICE, LIGHTNING FLASH ILLUMINING OUR SOULS;
 REJOICE, THUNDER THAT BRINGS TERROR TO OUR ENEMIES!
 REJOICE, DAWN BEFORE RADIATING SPLENDOR;
  REJOICE, SOURCE OF THE RIVER WITH MANY STREAMS!
 REJOICE, FOR YOU ARE SILOAM PREFIGURING THE FONT OF BAPTISM;
 REJOICE, FOR YOU CLEANSE THE STAIN OF SIN!
 REJOICE, WATER WASHING CLEAN THE CONSCIENCE;
 REJOICE, CHALICE, WHERE THE WINE OF MIGHTY JOY IS MIXED!
 REJOICE, PERFUME OF CHRIST'S OWN FRAGRANCE;
 REJOICE, LIFE OF MYSTICAL FEASTING!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS PAGE TWELVE
 
  KONTAKION XII
 
IN HIS DESIRE TO GRANT RELEASE FROM THE ANCIENT DEBTS,
 
THE REDEEMER OF US ALL ALL CAME OF HIS OWN WILL
 
TO THOSE WHO WERE EXILES FROM HIS GRACE.
 
HE HAS TORN UP THE WRITING OF OUR SINS,//
 
AND FROM ALL HE HEARS THE SONG: ALLELUIA!
 
 IKOS XII
 
We sing in honor of your Son, Theotokos, and praise you as a living
temple. For the Lord who holds all things in His hand made His
dwelling in your womb. He sanctified you; He glorified you, teaching
all men to sing to you:
 REJOICE, TABERNACLE OF THE WORD OF GOD;
 REJOICE, GREATER HOLY PLACE!
 REJOICE, ARK MADE GOLDEN BY THE SPIRIT;
 REJOICE, NEVER-EMPTY TREASURY OF LIFE!
 REJOICE, PRECIOUS CROWN OF TRULY FAITHFUL RULERS;
 REJOICE, HONORED GLORY OF GODLY PRIESTS!
 REJOICE, UNASSAILABLE FORTRESS OF THE CHURCH;
 REJOICE, UNCONQUERED RAMPART OF THE KINGDOM!
 REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU THE STANDARDS OF VICTORY ARE RAISED
  ON HIGH;
 REJOICE, FOR THROUGH YOU OUR FOES ARE CAST DOWN!
 REJOICE, THE HEALING OF MY BODY;
 REJOICE, THE SALVATION OF MY SOUL!//
 REJOICE, O UNWEDDED BRIDE!
 
 
 KONTAKION XIII
 
MOTHER WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE, YOU GAVE BIRTH TO THE WORD:
 
HE IS THE HOLIEST, FAR ABOVE ALL SAINTS!
 
ACCEPT THIS SERVICE OF OUR OFFERING;
 
DELIVER FROM ALL CALAMITY AND PROTECT FROM COMING PUNISHMENT//
 
THOSE WHO SING: ALLELUIA!
 
(We repeat Ikos I and sing "Victorious Leader..." to end the hymns of
the akathist. We resume the canon):

FIFTH SATURDAY MATINS PAGE THIRTEEN
 
CANTICLE SEVEN:
 
IRMOS: THE GODLY YOUTHS WORSHIPPED THE CREATOR, NOT THE CREATURE;
MANFULLY THEY TRAMPLED ON THE FLAMES, SINGING IN JOY:
BLESSED ARE YOU, MOST PRAISED LORD, GOD OF OUR FATHERS!