Pentecostarion

Sunday of the Paralytic Healing

Great Vespers

After Christ is risen, for Lord, I have cried, we allow for ten verses and chant the following seven Stichera of the Resurrection:

Third Tone

By Thy Cross, O Christ our Saviour, the dominion of death hath been destroyed, and the deception of the devil hath been abolished; and the race of man, having been saved by faith, doth ever offer praise to Thee.

All things have been enlightened by Thy Resurrection, O Lord, and Paradise is opened again. And whilst acclaiming Thee, the whole of creation doth ever offer praise to Thee.

I glorify the might of the Father and the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit do I praise, even the indivisible, uncreated Godhead, the Trinity one in essence, reigning unto eternity for ever.

Anatolian Stichera

Thy precious Cross do we worship, O Christ, and Thy Resurrection do we praise and glorify; for by Thy wounding are we all healed.

We praise the Saviour, Who was incarnate of the Virgin, for He was crucified for our sake and arose on the third day, granting us great mercy.

Going down to those in Hades, Christ proclaimed the glad tidings, saying: Take courage, I have conquered now; I am the Resurrection; having destroyed the gates of death, I shall lead you up.

We who stand unworthily in Thine undefiled house sing an evening hymn, crying from the depths: O Christ God, Who didst enlighten the world by Thy Resurrection on the third day, rescue Thy people out of the hand of Thine enemies, O Friend of man.

Two Stichera of the Paralytic

First Tone

O compassionate Christ, Who by Thine immaculate hand didst fashion man, Thou didst come to heal the sick. By Thy word Thou didst raise up the paralytic by the Sheep’s Pool. Thou didst cure the ailment of the blood-streaming woman. Upon the tormented daughter of the Canaanitish woman didst Thou have mercy, and the request of the centurion Thou didst not disdain. For this cause we cry unto Thee: O Almighty Lord, glory be to Thee. (Twice)

The paralytic, who was like unto an unburied dead man, saw Thee and cried out: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for my bed is become my grave. Of what profit is my life? I have no need for the Sheep’s Pool, for there is no one to put me therein when the waters are troubled. But I come unto Thee, O Source of healings, that together with all I also may cry: O Almighty Lord, glory be to Thee.

Glory.

Fifth Tone

Jesus Went up to Jerusalem to the Sheep’s Pool, which by the Hebrews is called Bethesda, having five porches. Therein lay a multitude of the ailing; for an Angel of God went down at a certain season and troubled the water, and granted healing unto those who drew nigh in faith. And the Lord, on seeing a man who had been there for many years, said unto him: Dost thou wish to be made whole? And the sick man replied: Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool. I have wasted all my wealth on physicians and was not deemed worthy of mercy. But the Physician of both souls and bodies said unto him: Take up thy bed and walk, proclaiming My might and great mercy unto the ends of the earth.

Both now.

Third Tone. Theotokion

How can we not marvel at thy theandric Offspring, O all-revered one? For without experience of wedlock, thou, O all-blameless one, hast brought forth in the flesh a fatherless Son, Who was born motherless of the Father before the ages, and Who in no way suffered change or intermingling or division, but preserved in their entirety the properties of each essence. Wherefore, O Lady, Virgin Mother, do thou entreat Him that the souls of them that, in Orthodox manner, profess thee to be God’s Birthgiver may be saved.

For the Entreaty, the Sticheron of the Saint of the monastery.

Glory.

Fifth Tone

A Composition of Koumoulas

At the Sheep’s Pool, a man lay in illness; and on seeing Thee, O Lord, he cried: I have no man, that, when the water is troubled, he might put me therein. But when I go, another precedeth me and receiveth the healing, and I lie in illness. And straightway, taking compassion on him, the Saviour saith unto him: For thee I became man, for thee I am clothed in flesh, and sayest thou: I have no man? Take up thy bed and walk. All things are possible for Thee, all things are obedient to Thee, all things are subject to Thee. Remember us all and have mercy on us, O Holy One, since Thou art the Friend of man.

Both now.

Theotokion

A temple and gate art thou, a palace and throne of the King, O all-revered Virgin, through whom my Redeemer, Christ the Lord, hath appeared to them that slept in darkness, since He is the Sun of Righteousness; for He willed to enlighten those whom He had fashioned by His own hand, according to His own image. Wherefore, O all-hymned one, since thou hast boldness toward Him as His mother, intercede thou unceasingly that our souls be saved.

Aposticha

For the Aposticha, the Sticheron of the Resurrection:

Third Tone

O Christ, Who by Thy Passion didst darken the sun, and Who by the light of Thy Resurrection didst make all things radiant with joy, accept our evening hymn, O Friend of man.

Then the Stichera of Pascha, A sacred Pascha, and their verses.

Glory.

Eighth Tone

In Solomon’s Porch there lay a multitude of sick. And at Mid-feast Christ found there a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight and thirty years. To him He called out with a voice of authority: Wouldst thou be made whole? And the infirm replied: Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool. And He saith unto him: Take up thy bed. Behold, thou art become whole, sin not again. By the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Lord, send down to us Thy great mercy.

Both now.

Fifth Tone

It is the day of Resurrection…

Dismissal Hymn

Third Tone

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly, things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

Theotokion

We praise thee, the Mediatress for the salvation of our race, O Virgin Theotokos; for in the flesh taken from thee, thy Son and our God hath deigned to endure the Passion through the Cross, and hath redeemed us from corruption, since He is the Friend of man.

And the dismissal.

Matins

After the First Reading from the Psalter, the following Sessional Hymn:

Third Tone

Christ, the first-born of creation and the Creator of all things that have come into being, is risen from the dead as the first-fruits of them that slept. He hath renewed in Himself the corrupted nature of our race; no longer, O Death, art thou lord; for the Master of all hath destroyed thy dominion.

Glory.

Having tasted of death in the flesh, O Lord, Thou hast banished the bitterness of death by Thy rising; and Thou hast strengthened man against it by revoking the defeat of the primal curse. O Defender of our life, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Both now.

Theotokion

The Original Melody

Awed by the beauty of thy virginity/ and the exceeding radiance of thy purity, Gabriel called out unto thee, O Theotokos:/ What worthy hymn of praise can I offer unto thee?/ And what shall I name thee? I am in doubt and stand in awe. Wherefore, as commanded, I cry to thee: Rejoice, O Full of Grace.

After the Second Reading from the Psalter, the following Sessional Hymn:

Third Tone. Same Melody

Thou didst accept all things that are by nature man’s; Thou didst make Thine all things that are man’s attributes;/ and Thou wast well-pleased to be nailed unto the Cross, O my Saviour, choosing to submit to death as a man, O my Fashioner, that Thou mightest rescue man from death’s bonds, O my Lord and God./ For this cause, O Life-giver, we cry out: Glory to Thy compassion, O Christ God.

Glory.

Same Melody

We speak in godly wise of the ineffable, incomprehensible, and inexplicable/ mystery of Thy Crucifixion and august Resurrection./ On this day is death despoiled;/ wretched Hades is brought to nought. And the race of mortal man hath put on immortality. We therefore cry to Thee with thanksgiving: O Christ, glory be to Thine arising!

Both now.

Theotokion. Same Melody

The heavens all rejoiced, moved with exceeding love; and the earth was amazed, overcome with great fear when that angelic and pure voice addressed thee, O Theotokos./ For one feast is now revealed for both those here and those on high; for Christ hath redeemed and saved from death’s bonds the first-fashioned man./ For this, we cry to thee with the Angel,/ saying: Rejoice, pure Virgin Mother.

After Psalm 118, the Eviogitaria, then the Hypakoë:

Third Tone

Causing astonishment by his appearance and refreshment by his speech, the radiant Angel said unto the myrrh-bearers: Why seek ye the Living One in the tomb? Risen is He that hath emptied the tombs. Know Him as the immutable Changer of corruption; say unto God: How awesome are Thy works ! For Thou hast saved the race of man.

The Hymns of Ascent in the tone of the week.

First Antiphon

The captivity of Sion hast Thou brought forth out of Babylon. Draw me also from the passions unto life, O Word.

In the south, they that sow with godly tears shall reap ears of wheat in the joy of life everlasting.

Glory; Both now.

By the Holy Spirit, there is every good gift. For He doth shine forth together with the Father and the Son; in Him all things live and move.

Second Antiphon

Except the Lord build the house of virtues, in vain do we labour; and so long as He protecteth the soul, no one shall take our city by siege.

Having become sons that are the reward of the fruit of the womb, the Saints are ever with Thee, O Christ, as also with the Father and the Spirit.

Glory; Both now.

In the Holy Spirit, all sanctity and wisdom are discerned; for He giveth being to all creation. Let us worship Him, for He is God, with the Father and the Word.

Third Antiphon

They that fear the Lord are blessed; they walk in the paths of the commandments, and they shall eat of every living fruit.

Rejoice, O Chief Shepherd, as Thou beboldest round about Thy table Thy children’s children, bearing branches of good works.

Glory; Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is all the wealth of glory; from Him there is grace and life to all creation. For He is praised with the Father and the Word.

Prokeimenon

Say among the nations that the Lord is King, for He hath established the world which shall not be shaken.

Verse: O sing unto the Lord a new song, sing unto the Lord all the earth.

Then Let every breath…and the reading of the Fifth Matinal Gospel, At that time, Peter arose and ran… (Luke 24: 12 –35). Then Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, the Fiftieth Psalm, and the rest.

For the Canons, the Canon of Pascha, with its Irmos, and of the Theotokos, to make eight in each Ode, and of the Paralytic, to make six in each Ode.

The Canon of Pascha

First Tone

Ode One

Irmos

It is the day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O ye peoples; Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha; for Christ God hath brought us from death unto life, and from earth unto Heaven as we sing the triumphal hymn.

Troparia

Let us purify our senses and we shall behold Christ, radiant with the unapproachable light of the Resurrection, and we shall clearly hear Him say: Rejoice! as we sing the triumphal hymn.

For meet it is that the Heavens should rejoice, and that the earth should be glad, and that the whole world, both visible and invisible, should keep the feast; for Christ, our everlasting Joy, hath arisen.

The Canon of the Theotokos

First Tone

Same Irmos

Thou didst break the bars of the boundary of death, when Thou didst carry in thy womb Christ, our eternal Life, Who hath shone forth from the grave today and enlightened the world, O all-blameless Virgin.

As thou beholdest thy Son and God arisen, thou rejoicest with the Apostles, O pure one, graced of God, and wast the first to hear the greeting, Rejoice, since thou art the cause of joy for all, O all-blameless Mother of God.

The Canon of the Paralytic

A Composition of Joseph of Thessalonica

Third Tone

Irmos

Wondrous art Thou, O God, Who workest wonders gloriously, Who didst fashion the earth in the abyss, and didst cover the chariots and save the people who sing to Thee as our Redeemer and God.

Troparia

Working signs and doing wonders, O only King, Thou didst willingly endure the Cross, since Thou art compassionate; and having put death to death by death, Thou didst quicken us.

Let us dance for joy with faith today on the arising of Christ, O ye peoples. Hades hath been despoiled of them that he held in bonds, and he hastily surrendered them, as they praised the mighty deeds of God.

O Thou Who by divine might didst once heal the paralytic by Thy word, O Christ, and didst command him who had been ailing for many years to take up his bed, heal Thou my soul, which aileth grievously.

Of old an Angel came down to the Sheep’s Pool and healed one man every year; but now Christ doth cleanse endless multitudes by divine Baptism.

O leader of the Angels and Supreme Commander of the Ministers on high, do thou shelter and protect from all manner of temptations them that are gathered together in thine august temple, praising God.

Glory.

With the Bodiless, let us unceasingly praise the Beginningless God, Who is in three Persons and one Nature, even the Father, Word, and Spirit, Who hath a Kingdom and indivisible power.

Both now.

Theotokion

Do thou save from dangers, conquest of barbarians, civil war and the sword, and every other danger, this thy flock, which doth ever honour thee faithfully, O pure one.

Katavasia: It is the day of the Resurrection.

Ode Three

Of Pascha. Irmos

Come, let us drink a new drink, not one marvelously brought forth from a barren rock, but the Source of incorruption, which springeth forth from the grave of Christ, in Whom we are established.

Troparia

Now are all things filled with light; Heaven and earth, and the nethermost regions of the earth. Let all creation, therefore, celebrate the arising of Christ, whereby it is established.

Yesterday I was buried with Thee, O Christ, and today I arise with Thine arising. Yesterday was I crucified with Thee; do Thou Thyself glorify me with Thee, O Saviour, in Thy Kingdom.

Of the Theotokos. Same Irmos

Today I return to the life that is free of stain, by the goodness of Him that was born of thee, and Who doth cause light to shine like lightning unto the ends of the earth.

Dance, O pure one, as thou beholdest God Whom thou didst conceive in the flesh, and Who arose from the dead as He said, and glorify Him as God, O immaculate one.

Of the Paralytic. Irmos

O barren and unfruitful soul, bring forth noble fruit, that, possessing comely fruits, thou mightest cry: My heart is established; there is none holy and there is none righteous save Thee, O Lord.

Troparia

When of old the sun beheld Thee hanging upon the Tree, O Word, the light withdrew and all the earth was troubled; the dead arose when Thou becamest one dead, O Almighty One.

When Thou didst go into the womb of the earth with Thy soul, Hades gave forth with haste the souls which it possessed, which cried unto Thy might a song of thanksgiving, O only Lord.

Do Thou, O supremely good One, heal my soul, which hath been ailing grievously for many years, even as Thou didst heal the paralytic aforetime, that I may walk in Thy way, which Thou didst show unto them that long for Thee.

Together with the Hosts on high, O Archangel of God, make supplication for us who praise thee with faith, preserving and protecting us from falling into the passions of life.

Glory.

Let us cry: Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, for by nature God is one, Whom all the powers of the Heavens glorify in fear, crying: Holy, Holy, Holy.

Both now.

Theotokion

Seedless was thy conception, and surpassing understanding was thy childbirth, O immaculate Virgin Mother; an awesome deed, an exceeding great wonder, honoured by the Angels and glorified by mortal men, O Lady and Maiden.

Katavasia: Come, let us drink a new drink…

Sessional Hymn

Third Tone. Awed by the beauty

A Word alone made strong the paralytic, since/ it had been uttered by the universal Word,/ Who had appeared upon the earth out of His love and compassion./ Wherefore, he departed hence and went forth bearing his own bed, and the scribes, although they saw this great deed which was brought to pass,/ since they were held by evil and palsied/ in soul by their envy, they endured not.

Glory; Both now.

Theotokion

Wed by the beauty of thy virginity/ and the exceeding radiance of thy purity, Gabriel called out unto thee, O Theotokos: What worthy hymn of praise can I offer unto thee?/ And what shall I name thee? I am in doubt and stand in awe. Wherefore, as commanded, I cry to thee:/ Rejoice, O Full of Grace.

Ode Four

Of Pascha. Irmos

Let the Prophet Abbacum, the proclaimer of divine things, keep the divine watch with us, and show forth the radiant Angel who with resounding voice hath declared: Today doth bring salvation to the world, for Christ is risen as omnipotent.

Troparia

Christ revealed Himself as of the male sex when He opened the Virgin’s womb, and as a mortal was He called the Lamb. Thus, without blemish is our Pascha, for He tasted not corruption; and since He is truly God, perfect was He proclaimed.

Christ, our blessed Crown, like unto a yearling lamb, of His own good will did sacrifice Himself for all, a Pascha of purification: and from the grave the beautiful Sun of Righteousness shone forth again upon us.

David, the ancestor of our God, danced with leaping before the symbolical Ark of the Covenant. Let us also, the holy people of God, beholding the fulfillment of the symbols, rejoice in godly wise: For Christ is risen, as omnipotent.

Of the Theotokos. Same Irmos

He that fashioned Adam, thy forefather, O pure one, is fashioned from thee, and today by His own death hath He destroyed death, which came by Adam, and He illumined all by the divine lightning of the Resurrection.

On beholding Christ, Whom thou didst bear, shining forth from the dead in a most comely manner for the salvation of all, do thou glorify Him today together with the Apostles, as thou rejoicest, O pure one, who art good, blameless, and beautiful among women.

Of the Paralytic. Irmos

Abbacum foresaw the overshadowed mountain, even thine immaculate womb, O pure one. Wherefore he cried: God shall come forth from Thaeman, and the Holy One from a mountain densely overshadowed.

Troparia

Consumed by envy, the multitude of the Hebrews crucified Thee on the Tree, O Lord; and having annulled the condemnation of death, Thou didst arise as One mighty, raising up the world together with Thyself.

Why seek ye with myrrh the inexhaustible Myrrh, O ye women? He is risen, said he that sat in white apparel, and He hath filled the world with spiritual fragrance.

Taking upon Thyself the likeness of a servant, out of the excess of Thy compassion didst Thou come and didst make whole him that had been bedridden for many years, O Word, when Thou didst command him to take up his bed.

An Angel of the Lord at a certain season came down and troubled the water in the Sheep’s Pool, making whole one person only. But Christ saveth endless multitudes by divine baptism.

O leader of the Angels and guide for the erring, O Supreme Commander of the Lord, come into our midst at this hour, and bear the prayers of us all unto the only Creator and Master.

Glory.

United in nature, divided in Persons, is the Holy Trinity; even the super-essential Father, the co-eternal Son, and the Holy and Only Almighty Spirit.

Both now.

Theotokion

How is it that thou sucklest a babe, O pure one? How dost thou give birth to a child more ancient than Adam? How carriest thou in thine arms a Son, Who is upon the shoulders of the Cherubim? As He alone knoweth, as He understandeth, even He that gave existence to all things.

Katavasia: Let the Prophet Abbacum, the proclaimer of divine things…

Ode Five

Of Pascha. Irmos

Let us arise in the deep dawn and, instead of myrrh, offer praise to the Master; and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, Who causeth life to dawn for all.

Troparia

When those held captive in the bonds of Hades beheld Thy boundless compassion, O Christ, they hastened to the light with a joyful step, exalting the eternal Pascha.

Bearing lights, let us go forth to meet Christ, Who cometh forth from the grave like a bridegroom. And with the ranks of them that love and keep this festival, let us celebrate the saving Pascha of God.

Of the Theotokos. Same Irmos

The company of the pious is enlightened by divine and life bringing beams of thy Son’s Resurrection, O immaculate Mother of God, and it is filled with joy.

Thou didst not open the gates of the Virgin when Thou becamest incarnate; Thou didst not break the seals of the sepulchre, O King of creation. Wherefore, on beholding Thee arisen, she rejoiced.

Of the Paralytic. Irmos

By Thine unwaning light, O Christ, do Thou illumine my humble soul and guide it in Thy fear, for Thy commandments are light.

Troparia

Thou wast lifted upon the Tree of the Cross and didst raise the whole world together with Thyself; and becoming One among the dead, O God, Thou dost raise up them that were dead from ages past.

Christ is risen, as He said, having emptied all the domains of Hades, and He doth appear unto the Apostles, and doth grant them joy everlasting.

The Angel was seen by the women to be as brilliant as lightning and as white as snow, saying: Weep not; our Life is risen and hath quickened them that were dead in the graves.

Even as Thou didst raise up the paralytic, O Christ, so also do Thou make whole my soul which is palsied by transgressions, and grant that I may fare well as I walk in Thine upright ways.

O Michael, Leader of the Angels, do thou save the people who are gathered today in thy temple, and who proclaim the mighty deeds of God.

Glory.

Of equal honour is the threefold Unity: divided piously in hypostases, but united in nature is the Father, the Son, and the Divine Spirit.

Both now.

Theotokion

Thy seedless childbearing, O pure one, and thine incomprehensible giving of birth do we praise, while blessing thee as the Mother of the Creator and Master of all.

Katavasia: Let us arise in the deep dawn…

Ode Six

Of Pascha. Irmos

Thou didst descend into the deepest parts of the earth, and didst shatter the everlasting bars that held fast those that were fettered, O Christ. And on the third day, like Jonas from the sea monster, Thou didst arise from the grave.

Troparia

Having kept the seals intact, O Christ, Thou didst rise from the tomb, O Thou Who didst not break the seal of the Virgin by Thy birth; and Thou hast opened unto us the gates of Paradise.

O My Saviour, the life-giving and unslain Sacrifice, when, as God, Thou of Thine own will hadst offered up Thyself unto the Father, Thou didst raise up with Thyself the whole race of Adam when Thou didst rise from the grave.

Of the Theotokos. Same Irmos

He that aforetime was held by death and corruption is now led up unto the incorruptible and everlasting life by Him that was incarnate of thine immaculate womb, O Virgin Theotokos.

He that descended and dwelt in thy loins and was incarnate in a manner surpassing understanding descended into the deepest parts of the earth and raised up Adam with Himself when He arose from the grave.

Of the Paralytic. Irmos

An abyss of passions and a tempest of contrary winds is come upon me; but do Thou hasten, O Saviour, and save me, and redeem me from corruption, even as Thou didst save the Prophet from the beast.

Troparia

Of Thine own will Thou wast lifted up upon the Tree, and laid as one dead in the sepulchre, and having quickened together all them that were dead in Hades, O Christ, Thou didst raise them by Thy divine power.

When Hades met Thee below, O Compassionate One, it was embittered, and in haste it gave up them that it held in bonds, who with unceasing voices praise Thine awesome Resurrection, O Saviour.

On beholding Christ, the Life of all, arisen from the grave, the divine disciples worshipped Him with much longing and upright knowledge and joyfulness of soul.

When he that aforetime lay for many years upon a bed of affliction was made whale by Thy command, O Christ, he glorified and praised Thy compassion, O Giver of life.

O Michael, thou leader of the Angels, as thou standest before the throne of the Master, be thou present in our midst, guiding toward the paths of life those who possess thee as a fervent protector.

Glory.

Together with the awesome Hosts on high I reverence Thee, Who art a Trinity in Persons; I proclaim Thee, Who art a Unity in essence, O beginningless Father, Son, and Upright Spirit, God of all things.

Both now.

Theotokion

He that sustaineth all things by His divine command is held in thine arms, O Virgin Theotokos, and since He is compassionate He doth rescue us from the enslaving hand of the evil one.

Katavasia: Thou didst descend…

Kontakion

Third Tone. On this day the Virgin

As of old Thou didst raise up the paralytic, O Lord God, by Thy God-like care and might, raise up my soul which is palsied by diverse sins and transgressions/ and by unseemly deeds and acts, that, saved I may also cry out: O Compassionate Redeemer,/ O Christ God, glory/ to Thy dominion and might.

Ikos

O Thou Who holdest the ends of the earth in the palm of Thy hand, O Jesus our God, Who art co-beginningless with the Father, and Who, together with the Holy Spirit dost rule over all things: Thou didst appear in the flesh, healing infirmities, driving away passions, and giving sight to the blind. And, by a divine word, Thou didst raise up the paralytic, commanding him to walk straightway and to take up upon his shoulders his bed, which had carried him. Wherefore, together with him we all praise Thee and cry: O Compassionate Christ, glory to Thy dominion and might.

Ode Seven

Of Pascha. Irmos

The only blest and most glorious God of our Fathers, Who hath redeemed the Children from the furnace, is become man, and as a mortal doth suffer, and through suffering doth clothe mortality with the grace of incorruption.

Troparia

The godly-wise women followed after Thee in haste with sweet smelling myrrh. But Him Whom they sought with tears as dead, they joyfully adored as the living God, and announced unto Thy disciples, O Christ, the glad tidings of the mystical Pascha.

We celebrate the death of death, the destruction of Hades, the beginning of an everlasting life. And with leaps of joy we praise the Cause thereof, the only blest and most glorious God of our Fathers.

Truly sacred and supremely festive is this saving night, radiant with light, the forerunner of the bright-beaming Day of the Resurrection, whereon the Timeless Light in bodily form shone from the grave for all.

Of the Theotokos. Same Irmos

Having put death to death, thy Son, O all-blameless one, hath granted everlasting life today unto all mortal men unto ages of ages, even He that alone is blessed, the supremely glorious God of our Fathers.

He that is King of all creation, having become man, dwelt in thy womb, O graced of God. And having endured the Cross and death, He arose in a God-befitting manner, and raised us up together with Himself, since He is omnipotent.

Of the Paralytic. Irmos

O Thou Who didst bedew the flame of the furnace and didst preserve the Children unburnt: Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our Fathers.

Troparia

On seeing Thee stretched out upon the Tree, the sun withdrew its light, not having the strength to shine upon the world when Thou, O King of all, wast setting, so that all the nations might be enlightened.

Thou didst arise, thereby emptying the tombs and despoiling Hades by Thine almighty power. Wherefore, we praise Thine august and divine arising, O Christ.

Why seek ye the Living as one dead? He is risen, He is not in the grave: thus did the divine Angel of old, who was like unto lightning, cry unto the myrrh-bearers.

Having, by Thy word, made whole the paralytic who had been bedridden for many years, Thou didst cry: Take up thy bed and walk, praising God’s mighty deeds.

O Michael, Supreme Commander of the Lord, by thy mediation do thou guide and shelter from all manner of evil them that are gathered in thy temple with faith unto the praise of God.

Glory.

O Trinity, since Thou art the God and Master of all, do Thou save from diverse perils us who praise Thee with faith, and make us partakers of Thy good things.

Both now.

Theotokion

After ineffably bearing Him Who without change was begotten of the beginningless Father before all ages, thou remainest a virgin; for this cause we bless thee, O pure one.

Katavasia: The only blest…

Ode Eight

Of Pascha. Irmos

This chosen and holy day is the first of the sabbaths, the queen and lady, the feast of feasts, and the festival of festivals, wherein we bless Christ unto the ages.

Troparia

Come, on this auspicious day of the Resurrection, let us partake of the new fruit of the vine of divine gladness and of the Kingdom of Christ, praising Him as God unto the ages.

Cast thine eyes about thee, O Sion, and behold! For lo, like divinely radiant luminaries, from the West, the North, the Sea, and the East have thy children assembled unto thee, blessing Christ unto the ages.

O Father Almighty, the Word, and the Spirit, one Nature in three Hypostases united, transcending essence and supremely Divine! In Thee have we been baptized, and Thee will we bless unto all the ages.

Of the Theotokos. Same Irmos

The Creator came into the world through thee, O Virgin Theotokos, and having burst the belly of Hades, He granted the Resurrection unto us mortals. Wherefore, we bless Him unto the ages.

Having as mighty God cast down all the power of death, thy Son, O Virgin, hath exalted and deified us together with Himself by His Resurrection. Wherefore, we praise Him unto the ages.

Of the Paralytic. Irmos

The God Who is unceasingly glorified in the highest by the Angels, O ye heavens of heavens, O earth and mountains and hills, the deep and every race of man, bless Him with hymns as Creator and Redeemer.

Troparia

The veil was rent when Thou crucified, O our Saviour, death gave up the dead which it devoured; and Hades was stripped when it saw Thee coming into nethermost parts of the earth.

O death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory? Thou wast put to death and destroyed by the risen King. No longer dost thou reign; for the Mighty One hath taken away them that thou didst have in bondage.

Run quickly and proclaim the Resurrection unto the Apostles, said the youth who appeared unto the myrrh-bearers. The Master is risen, and, in a marvellous manner, those dead from ages past are risen together with Him.

Having lain bedridden for many years, the paralytic cried: Have mercy on me, who am oppressed by need, O Redeemer. And He commandeth him to take up his bed in haste and walk upright.

As the Leader of the Immaterial Hosts, O Supreme Commander, pray together with them that we be granted deliverance from our offences, correction of life, and the enjoyment of everlasting good things yonder.

Glory.

With one accord let us praise the uncreated, undivided Essence, the Godhead of three hypostases, the beginningless God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, as we cry out the awesome melody of the Seraphim.

Both now.

Theotokion

Of old Esaias beheld thee as a book, O Ever-virgin, wherein, by the finger of the Father, the timeless Word was inscribed, Who doth save from all irrationality us who praise thee with sacred words.

Katavasia: This holy and chosen day…

Ode Nine

Of Pascha. Irmos

Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord hath arisen upon thee; dance now and be glad, O Sion, and do thou exult, O pure Theotokos, in the arising of Him Whom thou didst bear.

Troparia

Thy divine and beloved and most sweet voice; Thou hast promised that Thou wouldst be us unto the end of the world, O Christ; and we faithful rejoice, having this as an anchor of hope.

O great and most sacred Pascha, Christ; O Wisdom and Word and Power of God! Grant that we partake of Thee fully in the unwaning day of Thy Kingdom.

Of the Theotokos. Same Irmos

With one voice, O Virgin, we the faithful call thee blest. Rejoice, thou portal of the Lord; rejoice, thou living city; rejoice, thou through whom there hath shone on us today the light of thy Son’s Resurrection from the dead.

Be glad, be joyous, thou divine portal of the light; for Jesus, Who hath set in the tomb, hath dawned forth, shining more radiantly than the sun, and hath illumined all the faithful, O Lady, most graced of God.

Of the Paralytic. Irmos

In the bush on Mount Sinai, Moses beheld thee receiving in thy womb the unburning fire of the Godhead; Daniel beheld thee as an unhewn mountain; Esaias cried out that thou art a rod which blossomed forth from the root of David.

Troparia

When Thou wast lifted up upon the Tree, O Jesus, Thou didst raise us up together with Thyself. And when of Thine own will Thou wast laid in the tomb, Thou didst raise from the tombs all the dead who praised Thine incomprehensible power and Thine invincible might.

Thou didst dawn forth from the grave as One most comely, like a bridegroom from a bridal chamber, O most comely Word; and Thou didst dispel the gloom of Hades, and didst lead forth them that were in bonds, who cried with one accord: Glory be to Thy glory, glory be to Thine arising, O Jesus our God.

Bringing their tears and sighs mingled together with myrrh, the women came with haste unto Thine all-holy sepulchre. And through faith they were instructed concerning the glorious arising of Christ, which we celebrate, as we rejoice in gladness of soul.

Health of body followed Thy command, O Christ, and the former paralytic was seen walking with haste and bearing his bed whereon he had lain for many years, and he praised Thy great might.

Pray for our enlightenment, O great Supreme Commander, who dost ever stand in the presence of the great Light, and make peaceful our life, which is ever troubled by assaults of the serpent and by the circumstances of life, O renowned one.

Glory.

Most reverently do I glorify Thee, O Light and Lights, O Life and Lives, O Father, Word, and Holy Spirit, tri-hypostatic Unity, indivisible Dominion, unmingled Godhead; and together with the Hosts on high, I cry out: Holy, Holy, Holy.

Both now.

Theotokion

Christ, the great Sun, came forth from thy light-bearing womb, and with brilliant rays enlightened the world, O immaculate one, and dispelled the darkness of our transgressions. Wherefore, we praise thee, since thou art the cause of all good things, O Bride of God.

Katavasia: Shine, shine…

Then Holy is the Lord our God. (Thrice)

Exapostilarion of Pascha

Second Tone

When Thou hadst fallen asleep in the flesh as one mortal, O King and Lord, Thou didst rise again on the third day, raising up Adam from corruption, and abolishing death: O Pascha of incorruption ! O Salvation of the world!

Another, of the Paralytic

Same Tone. Hearken, ye women

The sovereign man-befriending Lord, He that is all-compassionate, drew nigh and stood at the Sheep’s Pool that He might heal men’s diseases; and there He found a man that lay/ abed, enfeebled many years. And unto him, He cried aloud:/ Take up thy bed now, and go forth;/ walk in the upright and straight paths.

The Lauds (the Praises)

For the Praises we allow for eight verses and chant the following Stichera of the Resurrection:

Third Tone

Come, all ye nations, learn the power of this awesome mystery; for Christ our Saviour, the Word Who was in the beginning, was crucified for us, and was buried of His own will, and arose from the dead, that He might save all things. Let us worship Him.

Thy guards have proclaimed all Thy wondrous deeds, O Lord, but the council of futility filled their hands with gifts, thinking to hide Thy Resurrection, which the world doth glorify. Have mercy on us.

All things are filled with gladness, having received the proof of the Resurrection. For Mary Magdalene came unto the tomb; she found an Angel in resplendent apparel sitting upon the stone and saying: Why seek ye the Living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen, even as He said; and He doth go on before into Galilee.

In Thy light, O Master, shall we see light, O Friend of man; for Thou didst arise from the dead, granting salvation to the race of man, that all creation might glorify Thee, the only sinless One. Have mercy on us.

Anatolian Stichera

The myrrh-bearing women offered their tears as a morning hymn, O Lord; for, as they held sweet-smelling spices, Thy tomb did they reach, being eager to anoint Thine immaculate Body. An Angel sitting upon the stone proclaimed the good tidings to them:

Why seek ye the Living among the dead? For having trampled on death, as God He is risen, granting unto all great mercy.

A resplendent Angel at Thy life-creating tomb said unto the myrrh-bearers: The Redeemer hath emptied the graves; He hath plundered Hades, and is risen on the third day, since He alone is God and omnipotent.

At the tomb, Mary Magdalene sought Thee, as she came on the first day after the sabbath. Not finding Thee, she wailed with weeping, crying out: Woe is me, O my Saviour! How wast Thou stolen, O King of all? But a pair of life-bearing Angels cried out from within the tomb: Why weepest thou, O woman? I weep, said she, for they have taken my Lord from the grave, and I know not where they have laid Him; but as she turned herself about and saw Thee, she cried out straightway: O my Lord and my God, glory be to Thee.

The Jews enclosed Life within the grave, but by his words the thief opened the Paradise of delight when he cried out and said: He that was crucified with me and for me hung together with me upon the Tree, and He appeared to me seated upon His throne together with the Father. For He is Christ our Saviour, Who hath great mercy.

Glory.

Eighth Tone

O Lord, not the pool, but Thy word healed and renewed the paralytic; nor was he hindered by his infirmity of many years; for the might of Thy voice proved to be more effective. And he cast off his heavy burden and carried the weight of his bed as a testimony to the abundance of Thy compassions. Glory be to Thee.

Both now.

Theotokion

Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Theotokos; for through Him Who was incarnate of thee, Hades was taken captive, Adam was recalled, the curse was annulled. Eve was freed, death was put to death, and we were brought to life. Wherefore, with hymns we cry aloud: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast been thus well pleased; glory be to Thee.

The Great Doxology and the dismissal.

In the First Hour, the following Matinal Doxasticon:

Third Tone

The disciples were censured for the hardness of their hearts because they doubted when Mary Magdalene proclaimed to them the Saviour’s Resurrection and His appearance to her; but when they were armed with miracles and wonders, they were sent forth to preach. As for Thee, O Lord, Thou didst ascend to Thy Father, the Author of light; and they preached in every land, verifying their words with wonders and miracles. Wherefore, we who have been enlightened by them glorify Thy Resurrection from the dead, O Lord and Friend of man.

Divine Liturgy

We chant four Beatitudes in the Tone of the Week:

Third Tone

Thou didst banish Adam, our forefather, from Paradise, when he set at nought Thy commandment, O Christ; but Thou didst make the thief, who confessed Thee upon the Cross, to dwell therein, O Compassionate One, as he cried: Remember me, O Saviour, in Thy Kingdom.

Having risen from the dead, Thou didst raise us also from the passions by Thy Resurrection, O Lord; and Thou didst destroy all the might of death, O Saviour; for this cause we cry out in faith: Remember us also in Thy Kingdom.

By Thy three-day burial, as God Thou didst quicken and raise up with Thyself them that were dead in Hades; and since Thou art good, Thou didst cause incorruption to flow forth for us all, who with faith do ever cry out: Remember us also in Thy Kingdom.

When we sinned, Thou didst condemn us with the curse of death, O our Life-giver and Lord. And having suffered in Thy body, though Thou wast without sin, O Master, Thou didst quicken all mortals, who cry out: Remember us also in Thy Kingdom.

And four from the sixth Ode of the Canon of the Paralytic.

The Prokeimenon of the Epistle. Third Tone

O chant unto our God, chant ye; chant unto our King, chant ye.

Verse: Clap your hands, all ye nations; shout unto God with a voice of rejoicing.

The Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9: 32–42)

In those days, as Peter passed throughout all quarters…

Alleluia. Third Tone

In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me not be put to shame in the age to come.

Verse: Be Thou unto me a God to defend me and a house of refuge to save me.

The Holy Gospel according to Saint John (John 5: 1–15)

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem…

The Communion Hymn

Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. Alleluia.

It should be noted that the Service of the Paralytic is chanted three days: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.