Lenten Triodion

Holy and Great Friday

Matins

Office of the Holy and Redeeming Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

About the second hour of the night (eight o’clock on Thursday evening), we begin Matins in the usual way. After the Six Psalms and the Great Litany, we sing Alleluia in Tone Eight, slowly and solemnly, with the appointed verses, and then the troparion The glorious disciples… (thrice). While this is being sung, candles are distributed to all those present, and these are lit during each of the twelve readings from the Gospel. After the troparion, the Small Litany is said with the exclamation:

For Thine is the dominion, Thine the Kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

First Gospel

Then the deacon says: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

And the priest readeth the First Gospel:

The Lord said to His disciples: Now is the Son of man glorified… (John 13: 31–18: 1)

After each reading from the Gospel, the choir sings:

Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Then we sing the following antiphons, repeating each of the troparia:

Antiphon One

Tone Eight

The rulers of the people took council together against the Lord and against His Anointed.

They laid a lawless accusation against Me. O Lord, Lord, forsake Me not.

Let us bring to Christ pure senses and affections, and as His friends let us sacrifice our lives for His sake. Let us not, as Judas, choke ourselves with the cares of this life, but in the inner chambers of our hearts let us cry: Our Father who art in heaven, deliver us from the evil one.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

As a virgin inviolate thou hast borne child and hast remained a virgin, O Mother who hast not known wedlock, Theotokos Mary. Pray to Christ our God that we may be saved.

Both now…

Repeat.

Antiphon Two

Tone Six

Judas ran to the lawless scribes and said: ‘What will ye give me, and I shall deliver Him to you?’ And while they conspired together, Thou against whom they were conspiring, wast Thyself standing invisibly in their midst. O Thou who knowest the hearts of men, spare our souls.

In loving compassion let us minister to God, as Mary at the supper; and let us not as Judas acquire love of money, that we may ever abide with Christ our God.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

Cease not to pray, O Virgin, unto Him whom thou hast borne in ways past all interpretation, for He loves mankind: that He may save from danger all who flee to thee for refuge.

Both now…

Repeat.

Antiphon Three

Tone Two

Because of the raising of Lazarus, the children of the Hebrews cried Hosanna unto Thee, O Lord who lovest mankind: but Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.

At Thy supper, O Christ our God, Thou hast foretold to Thy disciples: ‘One of you shall betray Me.’ But Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.

When John asked Thee, O Lord, ‘Who is he that shall betray Thee?’ Thou hast shown him through the giving of the bread. But Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.

With thirty pieces of silver, O Lord, and with a false kiss, the Jews sought to kill Thee. But Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.

During the washing of the feet, O Christ our God, Thou hast commanded Thy disciples, ‘Do as ye have seen Me do.’ But Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.

‘Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation,’ Thou, our God, hast said to Thy disciples. But Judas the transgressor had no wish to understand.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

Keep thy servants safe from danger, O Theotokos, for after God we all flee to thee for refuge, as an unconquerable rampart and protection.

Both now…

Small Litany with the exclamation:

For to Thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Sessional Hymn

Tone Seven

During this and the following sessional hymns, we do not sit but remain standing.

As Thou gavest food to the disciples at the Supper, knowing the plot for Thy betrayal, Thou hast accused Judas of it. Thou hast understood that he would not come to repentance, yet hast Thou desired to show to all that Thou wast betrayed of Thine own will, to save the world from the enemy. O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.

Second Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time Jesus went forth with His disciples… (John 18: 1–28)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Antiphon Four

Tone Five

Today Judas forsakes the Master and accepts the devil: he is blinded by the passion of avarice and darkened he falls from the Light. For how could he see, who sold the Light for thirty pieces of silver? But He who suffered for the world has shone upon us as the dawn. To Him let us cry: O Thou who sufferest with men and for their sakes, glory to Thee.

Today Judas makes a pretence of godliness and becomes a stranger to the gift of grace; though a disciple, he turns traitor, and under a guise of friendship he conceals deceit. In his foolishness he prefers thirty pieces of silver to the Master’s love, and acts as guide to the lawless Sanhedrin. But we have Christ as our salvation: let us glorify Him.

Tone One

As brethren in Christ, let us acquire brotherly love; and let us not be lacking in compassion for our neighbour, lest for money’s sake we be condemned like the unmerciful servant, and repent like Judas to no purpose.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

Glorious things are spoken of thee throughout all the world, for thou hast borne in the flesh the Maker of all, O Theotokos Mary, unwedded, worthy of all praise.

Both now…

Repeat.

Antiphon Five

Tone Six

The disciple agreed upon the price of the Master, and for thirty pieces of silver he sold the Lord; with a deceitful kiss he betrayed Him to the transgressors to be put to death.

Today the Creator of heaven and earth said to His disciples: ‘The hour is at hand, and Judas who betrays Me has drawn near. Let none of you deny Me when ye see Me on the Cross between two thieves. For as man I suffer, but as Lover of mankind I save those who believe in Me.’

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

O Virgin who in the last days hast ineffably conceived and borne thine own Creator, save those who magnify thee.

Both now…

Repeat.

Antiphon Six

Tone Seven

Today Judas watches how he may deliver up the Lord the pre-eternal Saviour of the world, who with five loaves satisfied the multitude. Today the transgressor denies his Teacher; though a disciple he betrays the Master. He sells for money the Lord who fed His people with manna in the wilderness.

Today the Jews nailed to the Cross the Lord who divided the sea with a rod and led them through the wilderness. Today they pierced with a lance the side of Him who for their sake smote Egypt with plagues. They gave Him gall to drink, who rained down manna on them for food.

O Lord, as Thou camest to Thy voluntary Passion, Thou hast cried aloud to Thy disciples: ‘If ye could not even watch with Me one hour, why then did ye promise to die for My sake? See ye how Judas sleeps not, but makes haste to deliver Me to the transgressors? Awake, rise and pray, and let none deny Me when he sees Me on the Cross.’ O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.’

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

Rejoice, Theotokos, who hast contained within thy womb Him whom the heavens cannot contain. Rejoice, Virgin whom the prophets preached: through thee Emmanuel has shone forth upon us. Rejoice, Mother of Christ our God.

Both now…

Repeat.

Small Litany, with the exclamation:

For blessed and glorified is Thy most honoured and majestic Name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Sessional Hymn

Tone Seven

What reason led thee, Judas, to betray the Saviour? Did He expel thee from the company of the apostles? Did He deprive thee of the gift of healing? When thou wast at supper with the others, did He drive thee from the table? When He washed the others’ feet, did He pass thee by? How many are the blessings that thou hast forgotten! Thou art condemned for thine ingratitude, but His measureless longsuffering and great mercy are proclaimed to all.

Third Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time the soldiers that had laid hold on Jesus led Him away… (Matthew 26: 57–75)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Antiphon Seven

Tone Eight

Suffering the transgressors to lay hold on Thee, O Lord, Thou hast cried aloud: ‘Although ye smite the Shepherd and scatter abroad the twelve sheep, My disciples, yet could I call to Mine aid more than twelve legions of angels. But in My patience I forbear, that the hidden secrets I made known to you through My prophets may be fulfilled. ‘O Lord, glory to Thee.

Peter denied Thee three times, and straightway he understood Thy words; but he offered Thee tears of repentance. O God, be merciful to me and save me.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

The holy Virgin is a gateway of salvation, a fair Paradise, and a cloud of everlasting light: let us all sing in praise of her and say to her, ‘Rejoice!’

Both now…

Repeat.

Antiphon Eight

Tone Two

O ye transgressors, tell us what ye heard from our Saviour? Did He not expound the Law and the teaching of the prophets? How then have ye taken counsel to deliver up to Pilate Him who is God the Word that came from God, and the Deliverer of our souls?

‘Let Him be crucified!’ they cried, though they had always taken pleasure in Thy gifts of grace; and the murderers of the righteous asked for the release of an evildoer in place of their Benefactor. But Thou, O Christ, wast silent and hast endured their impudence, wishing to suffer and to save us in Thy love for mankind.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

As there is no boldness in us because of the multitude of our sins, do thou, O Virgin Theotokos, intercede with the Son whom thou hast borne, for the entreaty of His Mother has great power to win the favour of the Master. Despise not, O all-honoured Lady, the prayers of sinners, for He who took upon Himself to suffer for our sake is merciful and strong to save.

Both now…

Repeat.

Antiphon Nine

Tone Three

They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was valued, on whom the children of Israel had set a price. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Therefore watch!

They gave Me gall to eat, and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink. But do Thou raise Me up, O Lord, and I shall grant them their reward.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

We Gentiles sing of thee, O pure Theotokos, for thou hast borne Christ our God, who through thee delivered mankind from the curse.

Both now…

Repeat.

Small Litany with the exclamation:

For Thou art our God and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Sessional Hymn

Tone Eight

O how could Judas, who was once Thy disciple, plot to betray Thee! In his treachery and wickedness he ate with Thee at the supper, and then he went to the priests and said: ‘What will ye give me, and I will deliver to you Him who set the Law at naught and defiled the Sabbath?’ O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.

Fourth Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time they led Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgement… (John 18: 28–19: 16)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Antiphon Ten

Tone Six

He who clothes Himself in light as in a garment, stood naked at the judgement; on His cheek He received blows from the hands which He had formed. The lawless people nailed to the Cross the Lord of Glory. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain and the sun was darkened, for it could not bear to see such outrage done to God, before whom all things tremble. Let us worship Him.

The disciple denied Thee and the thief cried aloud: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

O Lord who lovest mankind, for the sake of Thy servants Thou wast pleased to take flesh from the Virgin: grant peace to the world, that with one accord we may glorify Thee.

Both now…

Repeat.

Antiphon Eleven

Tone Six

In return for the blessings which Thou hast granted, O Christ, to the people of the Hebrews, they condemned Thee to be crucified, giving Thee vinegar and gall to drink. But render unto them, O Lord, according to their works, for they have not understood Thy loving self-abasement.

The people of the Hebrews were not satisfied with Thy betrayal, O Christ, but they wagged their heads, and reviled and mocked Thee. But render unto them, O Lord, according to their works, for they have devised vain things against Thee.

Neither the quaking of the earth, nor the splitting of the rocks, nor the rending of the veil of the temple, nor the resurrection of the dead persuaded the Jews. But render unto them, O Lord, according to their works, for they have devised vain things against Thee.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

O Theotokos Virgin, who alone art pure and alone blessed, through thee we have come to know God, for He took flesh from thee. Therefore without ceasing we sing thy praises and we magnify thee.

Both now…

Repeat.

Antiphon Twelve

Tone Eight

Thus says the Lord to the Jews: ‘O My people, what have I done unto thee? Or wherein have I wearied thee? I gave light to thy blind and cleansed thy lepers, I raised up the man who lay upon his bed. O My people, what have I done-unto thee, and how hast thou repaid Me? Instead of manna thou hast given Me gall, instead of water vinegar; instead of loving Me, thou hast nailed Me to the Cross. I can endure no more. I shall call My Gentiles and they shall glorify Me with the Father and the Spirit; and I shall bestow on them eternal life.

Today the veil of the temple is rent in twain, as a reproof against the transgressors; and the sun hides its own rays, seeing the Master crucified.

O lawgivers of Israel, ye Jews and Pharisees, the company of the apostles cries aloud to you: Behold the Temple that ye have destroyed; behold the Lamb that ye have crucified. Ye gave Him over to the tomb, but by His own power He has risen again. Be not deceived, ye Jews: for this is He who saved you in the sea and fed you in the wilderness. He is the Life and Light and Peace of the world.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

Rejoice! Gate of the King of Glory, through which the Most High alone has passed; and He left thee sealed again, for the salvation of our souls.

Both now…

Repeat.

Small Litany, with the exclamation:

Blessed and glorified is the power of Thy Kingdom, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Sessional Hymn

Tone Eight

When Thou the Judge, O God, wast standing before Caiaphas and wast delivered unto Pilate, then the powers of heaven quaked with fear. Thou wast raised upon the Cross between two thieves, and though sinless Thou wast numbered with transgressors, for the salvation of mankind. O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.

Fifth Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time Judas, when he saw that Jesus was condemned… (Matthew 27: 3–32)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Antiphon Thirteen

Tone Six

The assembly of the Jews besought Pilate to crucify Thee, O Lord. For though they found no guilt in Thee, they released Barabbas the malefactor and condemned Thee the Righteous; and so they incurred the guilt of murder. But give them, O Lord, their reward, for they devised vain things against Thee.

He before whom all things quake and tremble, to whom every tongue gives praise, Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God, is struck on the face by the priests, and they give Him gall to drink. Yet He was pleased to suffer all things, wishing to save us from our sins by His own blood, in His love for mankind.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

O Theotokos, who through a word in ways past speech hast borne thine own Creator, pray unto Him for the salvation of our souls.

Both now…

Repeat.

Antiphon Fourteen

Tone Eight

O Lord, Thou hast taken as Thy companion the thief who had soiled his hands with blood: in Thy goodness and love for mankind, number us also with him.

Few were the words that the thief uttered upon the Cross, yet great was the faith that he showed. In one moment he was saved: he opened the gates of Paradise and was the first to enter in. O Lord, who hast accepted his repentance, glory to Thee.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

Rejoice, for through the angel thou hast received the Joy of the world! Rejoice, for thou hast borne thy Maker and thy Lord! Rejoice, for thou wast counted worthy to become Mother of Christ our God!

Both now…

Repeat.

During the singing of Antiphon Fifteen, in most Greek churches there takes place the entry with the Crucifix: the priest carries the Cross from the sanctuary and sets it up in the center of the church.

Antiphon Fifteen

Tone Six

Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross (Thrice).

He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns.

He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery.

He who in Jordan set Adam free receives blows upon His face.

The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails.

The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear.

We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ (Thrice).

Show us also Thy glorious Resurrection.

Let us not keep festival as the Jews: for Christ our God and Passover is sacrificed for us. But let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement, and with sincerity entreat Him: Arise, O Lord, and save us in Thy love for mankind

Thy Cross, O Lord, is life and resurrection to Thy people; and putting all our trust in it, we sing to Thee, our crucified God: Have mercy upon us.

Glory to the Father…

Theotokion

Beholding Thee hanging on the Cross, O Christ, Thy Mother cried aloud: ‘O my Son, what is this strange mystery that I behold? Nailed in the flesh, O Giver of Life, how dost Thou die upon the Tree?’

Both now…

Repeat.

Small Litany, with the exclamation: For blessed is Thy Name and glorified is Thy Kingdom, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Sessional Hymn

Tone Four

Thou hast redeemed us from the curse of the Law by Thy precious Blood: nailed to the Cross and pierced by the spear, Thou hast poured forth immortality upon mankind. O our Saviour, glory be to Thee.

Sixth Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time the soldiers led Jesus away into the hall… (Mark 15: 16–32)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Beatitudes

The Sixth Gospel is followed by the Beatitudes, with eight stichera:

Tone Four

In Thy Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Through a tree Adam lost his home in Paradise, and through the Tree of the Cross the thief made Paradise his home. For the one, by eating, transgressed the commandment of his Maker but the other, crucified at Thy side, confessed Thee as the hidden God. Remember us also, Saviour, in Thy Kingdom.

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

The lawless people bought the Maker of the Law from His disciple, and they led Him as a transgressor before the judgement-seat of Pilate, crying ‘Crucify Him’, though it was He who gave them manna in the wilderness. But, following thee example of the righteous thief, we cry with faith: Remember us also, Saviour, in Thy Kingdom.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

The murderers of God, the lawless nation of the Jews, cried to Pilate in their madness, saying, ‘Crucify the innocent Christ;’ and they asked rather for Barabbas. But with the words of the good thief we cry to Him: Remember us also, Saviour, in Thy Kingdom.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Thy life-giving side, O Christ, flowing as a fountain from Eden, waters Thy Church as a living Paradise. Then, dividing into the four branches of the Gospels, with its streams it refreshes the world, making glad the creation and teaching the nations to venerate Thy Kingdom with faith.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

For my sake wast crucified, to become for me a fountain of forgiveness. Thy side was pierced, that Thou mightest pour upon me streams of life. Thou wast transfixed with nails, that through the depth of Thy sufferings I might know with certainty the height of Thy power, and cry to Thee, O Christ the Giver of Life: O Saviour, the glory to Thy Cross and Passion.

Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

When Thou wast crucified, O Christ, all the creation saw and trembled. The foundations of the earth quaked in fear of Thy power. The lights of heaven hid themselves and the veil of the temple was rent in twain, the mountains trembled and the rocks were split. With the faithful thief we cry: Remember us, O Saviour.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.

O Lord, on the Cross Thou hast torn up the record of our sins; numbered among the departed, Thou hast bound fast the ruler of hell, delivering all men from the chains of death by Thy Resurrection. Through this Thy Resurrection, O Lord who lovest mankind, we have been granted light, and cry to Thee: Remember us also, Saviour, in Thy Kingdom.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.

Thou wast lifted up, O Lord, upon the Cross and hast destroyed the power of death, and as God Thou hast blotted out the record of our sins that was against us. Grant to us also the repentance of the thief, O Christ our God who alone lovest mankind, for we worship Thee with faith and cry to Thee: Remember us also, Saviour, in Thy Kingdom.

Glory to the Father…

Let us the faithful pray with one accord that we may rightly glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one Godhead in three Persons, remaining unconfused, simple, undivided; whom no man can approach, and by whom we are delivered from the fire of punishment.

Both now…

Theotokion

O Christ, we offer Thee as intercessor Thy Mother who without seed bore Thee in the flesh, true Virgin who remained inviolate after childbirth. O Master rich in mercy, ever grant forgiveness of their sins unto those who cry: Remember us also, Saviour, in Thy Kingdom.

Small Litany, with the exclamation: For all the powers of heaven praise Thee, and to Thee they ascribe glory, to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Prokimenon

Psalm 21

Tone Four

They parted My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.

Stichos: God, My God, look upon Me: why hast Thou forsaken Me?

Seventh Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time the soldiers came unto a place called Golgotha… (Matthew 27: 33–54)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Then Psalm 50, and immediately afterwards:

Eighth Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time, there were two other, malefactors, led with Jesus… (Luke 23: 32–49)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Canon

Then we sing the three-canticled Canon by St. Kosmas. In each ode, the irmos is sung twice, and then the troparia are repeated three or six times so as to make up the number twelve. The irmos is sung at the end of each ode as katavasia. Before the troparia we say: Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Tone Six

Ode Five

Irmos: I seek Thee early in the morning, Word of God; for in Thy tender mercy towards fallen man, without changing Thou hast emptied Thyself, and impassibly Thou hast submitted to Thy Passion. Grant me Thy peace, O Lord who lovest mankind.

Their feet were washed, and in preparation they were cleansed by partaking in the divine Mystery; and now, O Christ, Thy servants went up with Thee from Zion to the great Mount of Olives, singing Thy praises, O Lord who lovest mankind.

‘See that ye be not troubled, O My friends’, Thou hast said. ‘For now the hour is come when I shall be taken and slain by the hands of wicked men; and ye shall all be scattered and forsake Me. But I shall gather you together to proclaim Me, in My love for mankind.

Small Litany, with the exclamation:

For Thou art the King of peace and Saviour of our souls, and to Thee we ascribe glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion

Tone Eight

Come, and let us all sing the praises of Him who was crucified for us. For Mary said, when she beheld Him on the Tree: ‘Though Thou dost endure the Cross, yet Thou art my Son and God.’

Ikos

Seeing her own Lamb led to the slaughter, Mary His Mother followed Him with the other women and in her grief she cried: ‘Where dost Thou go, my Child? Why dost Thou run so swiftly? Is there another wedding in Cana, and art Thou hastening there, to turn the water into wine? Shall I go with Thee, my Child, or shall I wait for Thee? Speak some word to me, O Word; do not pass me by in silence. Thou hast preserved me in virginity, and Thou art my Son and God.’

Ode Eight

Irmos: The holy Children brought mockery upon the idol of ungodly wickedness; and the lawless Sanhedrin raged and took vain counsel against Christ, purposing to kill Him who holds life in the hollow of His hand. The whole creation blesses Him, and glorifies Him to all ages.

Shake the sleep now from your eyelids,’ Thou hast said to the disciples, O Christ. ‘Watch in prayer, that ye fall not into temptation. And thou, O Simon, most of all: for the trial is greater to the strong. Know Me, O Peter, for the whole creation blesses Me and glorifies Me to all ages.’

‘No profane word shall ever pass my lips, O Master,’ Peter cried. ‘Gladly will I die with Thee, though all men shall deny Thee. Neither flesh nor blood, but Thy Father has revealed Thee to me: and the whole creation blesses Thee and glorifies Thee to all ages.’

‘Thou hast not fathomed the full depth of divine wisdom and knowledge,’ said the Lord. ‘Thou hast not understood the abyss of My judgements. Therefore do not boast, for thou art flesh, and three times shalt thou deny Me, though the whole creation blesses Me and glorifies Me to all ages.’

‘Thou dost protest, O Simon Peter, against the very thing that thou shalt shortly do, even as I have foretold. A maidservant shall suddenly approach and fill thee with fear’, said the Lord. ‘Yet, weeping bitterly, thou shalt find Me merciful; for the whole creation blesses Me and glorifies Me to all ages.’

We praise, bless and worship the Lord…

We do not sing the Magnificat.

Ode Nine

Irmos: More honourable than the cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God, the Word: the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

The destructive band of evil men, hateful to heaven, the synagogue of the murderers of God, drew near to Thee, O Christ, and as a malefactor they led Thee away, who art the Creator of all. Thee do we magnify.

Ignorant of the Law in their impiety, studying the words of the prophets in vain and to no purpose, unjustly they led Thee, the Master of all, as a lamb to the slaughter. Thee do we magnify.

Moved by jealous wickedness, the priests and scribes took Him who is by nature Life and Life-giver and they delivered Him to the Gentiles to be put to death. Him do we magnify.

Like many dogs they compassed Thee, O King, and struck Thee on the face; they questioned Thee and bore false witness against Thee. And all these things Thou hast endured to save us all.

Small Litany, with the exclamation:

For all the powers of heaven praise Thee…

Exapostilarion

Tone Three

O Lord this very day hast Thou vouchsafed the Good Thief Paradise. By the Wood of the Cross do Thou enlighten me also and save me (Thrice).

Ninth Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time there stood by the Cross of Jesus His Mother, His Mother’s sister… (John 19: 25–37)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Praises

And then immediately the Praises. Four stichera are sung:

Tone Three

Israel, My first-born Son, has committed two evils: he has forsaken Me, the fountain of the water of life, and dug for himself a broken cistern. Upon the Cross has he crucified Me, but asked for Barabbas and let him go. Heaven at this was amazed and the sun hid its rays; yet thou, O Israel, wast not ashamed, but hast delivered Me to death. Forgive them, Holy Father, for they do, not know what they have done (Twice).

Tone Two

Every member of Thy holy body endured dishonour for our sakes: Thy head, the thorns: Thy face, the spitting; Thy cheeks, the buffeting; Thy mouth, the taste of gall mingled with vinegar; Thine ears, the impious blasphemies; Thy back, the scourging and Thy hand, the reed; Thy whole body, the stretching on the Cross; Thy limbs, the nails; and Thy side, the spear. Thou hast suffered for us and by Thy Passion set us free from passions; in loving self-abasement Thou hast stooped down to us and raised us up: O Saviour almighty, have mercy on us.

Seeing Thee crucified, O Christ, the whole creation trembled. The foundations of the earth shook with fear at Thy power. For when Thou wast raised up today, the people of the Hebrews was destroyed. The veil of the temple was rent in twain, the graves were opened, and the dead rose from the tombs. When the centurion saw the wonder, he was filled with dread. And Thy Mother, standing by Thee, cried with a mother’s sorrow: ‘How shall I not lament and strike my breast, seeing Thee stripped naked and hung upon the wood as one condemned?’ Thou wast crucified and buried, and Thou hast risen from the dead: O Lord, glory to Thee.

Glory to the Father…

Tone Six

They stripped Me of My garments and clothed Me in a scarlet robe; they set a crown of thorns upon My head and placed a reed in My right hand, that I may break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

Both now…

Same Tone

I gave My back to scourging; I did not turn away My face from spitting; I stood before the judgement-seat of Pilate, and endured the Cross for the salvation of the world.

Tenth Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counselor… (Mark 15: 43–7)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Priest: Glory to Thee who hast shown us the Light.

Small Doxology is said.

Litany of Fervent Intercession

Let us complete our morning prayer…

Eleventh Gospel

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: At that time Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus… (John 19: 38–42)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Aposticha

Tone One

The whole creation was changed by fear, when it saw Thee, O Christ, hanging on the Cross. The sun was darkened and the foundations of the earth were shaken; all things suffered with the Creator of all. Of Thine own will Thou hast endured this for our sakes: O Lord, glory to Thee.

Tone Two

They parted My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture (Psalm 21: 19).

Why does the impious and transgressing people imagine vain things? Why have they condemned to death the Life of all? O mighty wonder! The Creator of the world is delivered into the hands of lawless men, and He who loves mankind is raised upon the Cross, that He may free the prisoners in hell, who cry: O long-suffering Lord, glory to Thee.

They gave Me gall to eat: and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink (Psalm 68: 22).

Today the most pure Virgin saw Thee hanging on the Cross, O Word; and with a mother’s love she wept and bitterly her heart was wounded. She groaned in anguish from the depth of her soul, and in her grief she struck her face and tore her hair. And, beating her breast, she cried lamenting: ‘Woe is me, my divine Child! Woe is me, Thou Light of the world! Why dost Thou vanish from my sight, O Lamb of God?’ Then the hosts of angels were seized with trembling, and they said: ‘O Lord beyond our understanding, glory to Thee.’

God is our King before the ages: He has worked salvation in the midst of the earth (Psalm 73: 12).

Seeing Thee hanging on the Cross, O Christ the Creator and God of all, bitterly Thy Virgin Mother cried: ‘O my Son, where is the beauty of Thy form? I cannot bear to look upon Thee crucified unjustly. Make haste, then, to arise, that I too may see Thy Resurrection on the third day from the dead.’

Glory to the Father…

Tone Eight

Lord, when Thou hast ascended on the Cross, fear and trembling seized all the creation. Thou hast not suffered the earth to swallow those that crucified Thee; but Thou hast commanded hell to render up its prisoners, for the regeneration of mortal men. Judge of the living and the dead, Thou hast come to bring, not death, but life. O Thou who lovest mankind, glory to Thee.

Both now…

Tone Six

Already the unjust judges have dipped their pens in ink, and Jesus is sentenced and condemned to the Cross; the creation suffers, seeing the Lord crucified. O loving Master, who in Thy bodily nature hast suffered for my sake, glory to Thee.

Deacon: And that He will vouchsafe unto us the hearing of the Holy Gospel, let us pray unto the Lord God.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Wisdom, Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend!

Twelfth Gospel

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation… (Matthew 27: 62–6)

Choir: Glory to Thy longsuffering, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Reader: It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord…

Then the Trisagion and the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the troparion:

Troparion, Tone Four

Thou hast redeemed us from the curse of the Law by Thy precious Blood: nailed to the Cross and pierced by the spear, Thou hast poured forth immortality upon mankind. O our Saviour, glory be to Thee.

Then the remaining part of the Litany of Fervent Intercession, Have mercy upon us, O God…, and the conclusion of Matins, as on days outside Lent.

At the Dismissal the priest says: May He who endured spitting and scourging and blows, the Cross and death, for the salvation of the world, Christ our true God…

The First Hour is not said at the end of Matins, but it is read later on Friday morning as part of the Office of the Royal Hours.

Holy and Great Friday Vespers

The service begins about the tenth hour of the day (four o’clock in the afternoon). Before it starts, the Epitaphion is placed on the altar, and on top of it the Book of the Gospels.

After the Psalm of Introduction (Psalm 103) and the Great Litany, to Lord, I have cried, six stichera are sung:

Tone One

Tone Two

Today the most pure Virgin saw Thee hanging on the Cross, O Word; and with a mother’s love she wept and bitterly her heart was wounded. She groaned in anguish from the depth of her soul, and in her grief she struck her face and tore her hair. And, beating her breast she cried lamenting: ‘Woe is me, my divine Child! Woe is me Thou Light of the world! Why dost Thou vanish from my sight, O Lamb of God?’ Then the hosts of angels were seized with trembling and they said: ‘O Lord beyond our understanding, glory to Thee.’

Tone Six

Today the Master of Creation stands before Pilate; today the Maker of all things is given, up to the Cross, and of His own will He is led as a lamb to the slaughter. He who sent manna in the wilderness is transfixed with nails; His side is pierced, and a sponge with vinegar touches His lips. The Deliverer of the world is struck on the face, and the Creator of all is mocked by His own servants. How great is the Master’s love for mankind! For those who crucified Him, He prayed to His Father, saying: ‘Forgive them this sin, for in their wickedness they know not what they do.’

Glory to the Father…

Same Tone

See how the lawless synagogue has condemned to death the King of the Creation! They were not ashamed when He recalled His blessings, saying: ‘O My people, what have I done unto you? Have I not filled Judaea with miracles? Have I not raised the dead by My word alone? Have I not healed every sickness and disease? How then have ye repaid Me? Why have ye forgotten Me? In return for healing, ye have given Me blows; in return for life, ye are putting Me to death. Ye hang upon the Cross your Benefactor as an evildoer, your Lawgiver as a transgressor of the Law, the King of all as one condemned.’ O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.

Both now…

Same Tone

A dread and marvellous mystery we see come to pass this day. He whom none may touch is seized; He who looses Adam from the curse is bound. He who tries the hearts and inner thoughts of man is unjustly brought to trial. He who closed the abyss is shut in prison. He before whom the powers of heaven stand with trembling, stands before Pilate; the Creator is struck by the hand of His creature. He who comes to judge the living and the dead is condemned to the Cross; the Destroyer of hell is enclosed in a tomb. O Thou who dost endure all these things in Thy tender love, who hast saved all men from the curse, O longsuffering Lord, glory to Thee.

Entrance with the Gospel, O joyful Light…, and the Prokimenon (Psalm 21):

Tone Four

They parted My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.

Verse: O God, My God, look upon Me: why hast Thou forsaken Me?

First Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 33: 11—23

And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as if one should speak to his friend; and he retired into the camp: but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, departed not forth from the tabernacle.

12 And Moses said to the Lord, Lo! thou sayest to me, Lead on this people; but thou hast not shewed me whom thou wilt send with me, but thou hast said to me, I know thee above all, and thou hast favour with me. 13 If then I have found favour in thy sight, reveal thyself to me, that I may evidently see thee; that I may find favour in thy sight, and that I may know that this great nation is thy people. 14 And he says, I myself will go before thee, and give thee rest. 15 And he says to him, If thou go not up with us thyself, bring me not up hence. 16 And how shall it be surely known, that both I and this people have found favour with thee, except only if thou go with us? So both I and thy people shall be glorified beyond all the nations, as many as are upon the earth. 17 And the Lord said to Moses, I will also do for thee this thing, which thou hast spoken; for thou hast found grace before me, and I know thee above all. 18 And Moses says, Manifest thyself to me. 19 And God said, I will pass by before thee with my glory, and I will call by my name, the Lord, before thee; and I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and will have pity on whom I will have pity. 20 And God said, Thou shalt not be able to see my face; for no man shall see my face, and live. 21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me: thou shalt stand upon the rock; 22 and when my glory shall pass by, then I will put thee into a hole of the rock; and I will cover thee over with my hand, until I shall have passed by. 23 And I will remove my hand, and then shalt thou see my back parts; but my face shall not appear to thee.

Prokimenon (Psalm 34): Tone Four

Judge them, O Lord, that wrong Me: fight against them that fight against Me.

Verse: They rewarded Me evil for good.

Second Old Testament Lesson: Job 42: 12—17. (Note that the Septuagint here contains three further verses, not found in the Hebrew.)

And the Lord blessed the latter end of Job, more than the beginning: and his cattle were fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, a thousand she-asses of the pastures. 13 And there were born to him seven sons and three daughters. 14 And he called the first Day, and the second Cassia, and the third Amalthaea’s horn. 15 And there were not found in comparison with the daughters of Job, fairer women than they in all the world: and their father gave them an inheritance among their brethren.

16 And Job lived after his affliction a hundred and seventy years: and all the years he lived were two hundred and forty: and Job saw his sons and his sons’ sons, the fourth generation. 17 And Job died, an old man and full of days: and it is written that he will rise again with those whom the Lord raises up.

This man is described in the Syriac book as living in the land of Ausis, on the borders of Idumea and Arabia: and his name before was Jobab; and having taken an Arabian wife, he begot a son whose name was Ennon. And he himself was the son of his father Zare, one of the sons of Esau, and of his mother Bosorrha, so that he was the fifth from Abraam.

Third Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 52: 13—54: 1

Behold, my servant shall understand, and be exalted, and glorified exceedingly. 14 As many shall be amazed at thee, so shall thy face be without glory from men, and thy glory shall not be honoured by the sons of men. 15 Thus shall many nations wonder at him; and kings shall keep their mouths shut: for they to whom no report was brought concerning him, shall see; and they who have not heard, shall consider.

53:1 O Lord, who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 We brought a report as of a child before him; he is as a root in a thirsty land: he has no form nor comeliness; and we saw him, but he had no form nor beauty. 3 But his form was ignoble, and inferior to that of the children of men; he was a man in suffering, and acquainted with the bearing of sickness, for his face is turned from us: he was dishonoured, and not esteemed. 4 He bears our sins, and is pained for us: yet we accounted him to be in trouble, and in suffering, and in affliction. 5 But he was wounded on account of our sins, and was bruised because of our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and by his bruises we were healed. 6 All we as sheep have gone astray; every one has gone astray in his way; and the Lord gave him up for our sins.

7 And he, because of his affliction, opens not his mouth: he was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is dumb, so he opens not his mouth. 8 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken away from the earth: because of the iniquities of my people he was led to death. 9 And I will give the wicked for his burial, and the rich for his death; for he practiced no iniquity, nor craft with his mouth. 10 The Lord also is pleased to purge him from his stroke. If ye can give an offering for sin, your soul shall see a long-lived seed: 11 the Lord also is pleased to take away from the travail of his soul, to shew him light, and to form him with understanding; to justify the just one who serves many well; and he shall bear their sins. 12 Therefore he shall inherit many, and he shall divide the spoils of the mighty; because his soul was delivered to death: and he was numbered among the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and was delivered because of their iniquities.

54:1 Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that dost not travail: for more are the children of the desolate than of her that has a husband.

Prokimenon

Tone Six

They laid Me in the lowest pit: in dark places and in the shadow of death.

Verse: O Lord God of My salvation, I have cried day and night before Thee.

Epistle: I Corinthians 1:18—2: 2

Alleluia: Tone One

Save Me, O God: for the waters are come in, even unto My soul (Psalm 68: 2).

They gave Me gall to eat: and in My thirst they gave me vinegar to drink (ibid., 22).

Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not (ibid., 24).

Gospel: Matthew 27: 1—38 ; Luke 23: 39—43 ; Matthew 27: 39—54 ; John 19: 31—37 ; Matthew 27: 55—61

Then the Litany of Fervent Intercession, Let us all say…; Vouchsafe, O Lord…; Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord…

And after that the aposticha:

Tone Two

Down from the Tree Joseph of Arimathea took Thee dead, who art the Life of all, and he wrapped Thee, O Christ, in a linen cloth with spices. Moved in his heart by love, he kissed Thy most pure body with his lips; yet, drawing back in fear, he cried to Thee rejoicing: ‘Glory to Thy self-abasement, O Thou who lovest mankind.’

The Lord is King, and has put on glorious apparel (Psalm 92:1).

When Thou, the Redeemer of all, wast laid for the sake of all in a new tomb, hell was brought to scorn and, seeing Thee, drew back in fear. The bars were broken and the gates were shattered, the tombs were opened and the dead arose. Then Adam in thanksgiving and rejoicing cried to Thee: ‘Glory to Thy self‐abasement, O Thou who lovest mankind.’

For He has established the world which shall not be shaken. (ibid.)

In the flesh Thou wast of Thine own will enclosed within the tomb, yet in Thy divine nature Thou dost remain uncircumscribed and limitless. Thou hast shut up the treasury of hell, O Christ, and emptied all his palaces. Thou hast honoured this Sabbath with Thy divine blessing, with Thy glory and Thy radiance.

Holiness becomes Thine house, O Lord, for ever (ibid., 5)

The powers of heaven beheld Thee, O Christ, falsely accused by lawless men as a deceiver, and they saw the stone before Thy tomb sealed by the hands which had pierced Thy most pure side; and they were filled with fear at Thine ineffable forbearance. Yet, rejoicing at our salvation, they cried aloud to Thee: ‘Glory to Thy self‐abasement, O Thou who lovest mankind.‘

Glory to the Father… Both now…

Tone Five

Joseph with Nicodemus took Thee down from the Tree, who deckest Thyself with light as with a garment ; and looking upon Thee dead, stripped, and without burial, in his grief and tender compassion he lamented, saying: ‘Woe is me, my sweetest Jesus! When but a little while ago the sun saw Thee hanging on the Cross, it wrapped itself in darkness: the earth quaked with fear and the veil of the temple was rent in twain. And now I see Thee for my sake submitting of Thine own will to death. How shall I bury Thee, my God? How shall I wrap Thee in a winding sheet? How shall I touch Thy most pure body with my hands? What song at Thy departure shall I sing to Thee, O compassionate Saviour? I magnify Thy sufferings, I sing the praises of Thy burial and Thy Resurrection, crying: O Lord, glory to Thee.‘

Then Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace…

Holy God, etc., and the Lord’s Prayer, and after it the apolytikia (troparia):

Tone Two

Noble Joseph, taking down Thy most pure body from the Tree, wrapped it in clean linen with sweet spices, and he laid it in a new tomb.

Glory to the Father… Both now…

The Angel stood by the tomb, and to the women bearing spices he cried aloud: ‘Myrrh is fitting for the dead, but Christ has shown Himself a stranger to corruption.‘

During the aposticha the senior priest puts on all his vestments, while the other priests put on the epitrachelion and phelonion. When the choir begins to sing Joseph with Nicodemus…, the senior priest goes three times round the Holy Table, censing the Epitaphion from the four sides. After the Lord’s Prayer, when the choir begins Noble Joseph…, the senior priest (takes the Book of the Gospels and the other clergy take the Epitaphion which they hold above his head. (If there is only one priest, the Epitaphion may beheld by members of the laity.) They go round the Holy Table on the south side and out of the sanctuary through the north door. The Epitaphion is preceded by processional candles and the exapteryga, and by the deacon with the incense. The procession proceeds to the centre of the church where there stands a table decorated with flowers and often. provided with a canopy.

Here the Epitaphion is placed, and on top of it the Gospel Book. The senior priest goes round the Epitaphion three times, censing it from the four sides. He may then sprinkle it with rose water and scatter flowers over it.

When the choir has finished the troparion The Angel stood by the tomb…, there follows the conclusion of Vespers. At the Dismissal the priest says:

May He who for us men and for our salvation endured in the flesh the dread Passion, the life‐giving Cross and voluntary burial, Christ our true God…

The Epitaphion is then venerated by the clergy and by all the faithful, each making three great prostrations to the ground, two before kissing the Epitaphion and one after.